Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Red cedar is the correct answer as it is an example of a gymnosperm. Gymnosperms are plants that produce seeds not enclosed within an ovary or fruit. In the case of red cedar, it belongs to the gymnosperm group and has naked seeds that are exposed on the surface of scales or leaves. Choices B, C, and D are angiosperms, not gymnosperms. Japanese cherry, flowering dogwood, and American chestnut are all examples of angiosperms, which are flowering plants with seeds enclosed within an ovary.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both parties benefit from the association. It is a mutually beneficial interaction where both organisms gain something valuable, such as food, protection, or some other resource. This contrasts with parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, commensalism, where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected, and competition, where both organisms are negatively affected by their interaction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Green light is the least effective at driving photosynthesis because chlorophyll, the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light in plants, does not absorb green light well. Instead, chlorophyll absorbs more effectively in the blue and red regions of the light spectrum. Therefore, green light is relatively less efficient in promoting photosynthesis compared to violet, orange, and red light. Violet light, although at the shorter wavelength end of the spectrum, can still drive photosynthesis better than green light. Orange and red light are more efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll, making them more effective in driving the process of photosynthesis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, when bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, the high concentration of solutes outside the bacteria causes water to move out of the bacteria, leading to shrinkage. This process is known as osmosis. Dehydration synthesis (Choice A) is a process where molecules combine by removing water. Hydrolysis (Choice B) is the breakdown of molecules by the addition of water. Isotonic transport (Choice D) does not accurately describe the specific movement of water in or out of bacterial cells in a hypertonic solution.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To release carbon dioxide.' Decomposition in the carbon cycle involves breaking down dead organic matter into simpler substances. During this process, carbon is released in the form of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This release of carbon dioxide is essential for recycling carbon and making it available for use by living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decomposition does not produce light energy, convert carbon to fuel, or store food for consumers; its primary role is to recycle carbon through the release of carbon dioxide.