Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Blood type O is considered the universal donor because individuals with type O blood can donate red blood cells to individuals with any ABO blood type (A, B, AB, or O) without causing an adverse reaction. Type O blood lacks A or B antigens on the surface of red blood cells, minimizing the risk of an immune response when transfused into individuals with different blood types. Therefore, type O blood is in high demand for blood transfusions in emergency situations when the recipient's blood type is unknown or when there is a shortage of specific blood types. Choices A, B, and AB are not considered universal donors. Individuals with blood types A, B, or AB can only donate to individuals with compatible blood types to avoid adverse reactions since they have A and/or B antigens on the surface of their red blood cells, making them incompatible with all blood types.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Weight is the property of matter that refers to the force of gravity acting on an object. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, not affected by gravity. Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance, not directly related to gravity. Volume is the amount of space that an object occupies, not a measure of gravity's force.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The functional group present in ethers is -O-, representing an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. Therefore, choice C, 'Ether,' is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D refer to different functional groups: hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl (C=O), and amine (NH2), respectively, which are not present in ethers. Ethers are characterized by the oxygen atom bonded to two carbon groups, distinguishing them from the other functional groups mentioned in the choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Scoliosis most commonly affects the thoracic spine, which is the upper back region. While scoliosis can potentially affect any part of the spine, the thoracic spine is the most frequently involved area. This region is more commonly affected due to the natural structural curves of the spine and the biomechanics of the thoracic area. The cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) can also be affected by scoliosis, but the thoracic spine is the primary area of involvement in most cases. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it is the part of the spine most commonly affected by scoliosis.