Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The pituitary gland, known as the master gland, regulates various endocrine glands by releasing specific hormones. The thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and parathyroid glands are directly controlled by the pituitary gland through hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) respectively. However, the pancreas, particularly the Islets of Langerhans, is not directly influenced by the pituitary gland. The pancreas is mainly governed by blood glucose levels and hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Choice A, the thyroid gland, is controlled by the pituitary gland through TSH. Choice B, the adrenal glands, are regulated by the pituitary gland via ACTH. Choice D, the parathyroid glands, are under the direct control of the pituitary gland through PTH.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A) This statement is true. Fossils can provide evidence for the order of appearance of different species through the study of the fossil record. B) This statement is true. Fossils can be used to estimate the age of rocks and layers through relative dating methods such as stratigraphy and absolute dating methods like radiometric dating. C) This statement is true. Fossils can provide information about the behavior of extinct organisms through the study of their preserved remains and traces. D) This statement is NOT true. Fossils are not always perfectly preserved. In many cases, fossils are incomplete, fragmented, or altered over time due to geological processes. The level of preservation can vary depending on factors such as the type of organism, the environment in which it lived, and the processes involved in fossilization.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Inertia is the term that describes the resistance of an object to changes in its motion. This property is explained by Newton's First Law of Motion, which states that objects tend to maintain their state of motion unless acted upon by an external force. Inertia is closely related to mass, where objects with more mass exhibit more resistance to changes in motion. Momentum (B) is the product of an object's mass and velocity, gravity (C) is the force of attraction between objects, and kinetic energy (D) is the energy associated with an object's motion. Therefore, the correct answer is A because inertia specifically addresses the resistance of an object to changes in its motion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Merkel cells are specialized touch receptors located in the epidermis of the skin. Their primary function is to perceive light touch and pressure. They play a crucial role in the sensory perception of touch stimuli. Option A, melanin production, is incorrect because Merkel cells are not involved in producing melanin. Option B, temperature sensation, is incorrect as Merkel cells are not specialized for sensing temperature. Option D, immune defense, is also incorrect as Merkel cells do not have a role in immune defense mechanisms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The K-capture process involves the capture of an electron from the innermost electron shell, known as the K-shell. The K-shell comprises s and p orbitals. During the K-capture process, an electron is specifically captured from an inner p-orbital within the K-shell. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because K-capture involves capturing an electron from the innermost shell (K-shell) which consists of s and p orbitals, not the outermost s-orbital, inner d-orbital, or any available electron shell.