Which of the following is NOT a recognized mode of natural selection?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A) Directional selection is a recognized mode of natural selection where one extreme trait value on a spectrum is favored over others, leading to a shift in the average trait value over time. B) Disruptive selection is a recognized mode of natural selection where both extreme trait values on a spectrum are favored over the average trait value, potentially causing the population to split into distinct groups. C) Stabilizing selection is a recognized mode of natural selection favoring the average trait value on a spectrum over extreme values, resulting in reduced genetic diversity. D) Sexual selection differs from traditional natural selection modes as it involves mate choice and competition for mates, not direct selection pressure on traits affecting survival and reproduction in the environment. Sexual selection can drive the evolution of traits enhancing an individual's attractiveness for mating purposes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The three main types of muscle tissue in the human body are smooth muscle (involuntary), cardiac muscle (involuntary), and voluntary skeletal muscle. Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs, cardiac muscle is found in the heart, and skeletal muscle is attached to bones and is under voluntary control. Option A correctly identifies these three main types of muscle tissue in the human body. Choice B is incorrect because it lists skeletal muscle as involuntary, which is not accurate. Choice C is incorrect because it lists voluntary smooth muscle, which does not exist as smooth muscle is involuntary. Choice D is incorrect because it uses terms like striated, non-striated, and epithelial, which are not the main types of muscle tissue but rather descriptions related to muscle characteristics and location.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The phospholipid bilayer is a crucial component of the cell membrane, surrounding the cell and regulating the passage of materials into and out of the cell. Its structure enables it to be selectively permeable, controlling which substances can pass through. DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates are essential molecules in the cell but do not directly govern the passage of materials like the phospholipid bilayer does. Therefore, the correct answer is the phospholipid bilayer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Passive transport refers to the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the input of energy. Diffusion of small molecules across a concentration gradient is a classic example of passive transport, as it occurs spontaneously from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Active transport (option A) requires energy input in the form of ATP to move substances against their concentration gradient. Movement of large molecules using vesicles (option C) involves processes like endocytosis and exocytosis that require energy in the form of ATP. Endocytosis of particles into the cell (option D) is an active process that requires energy expenditure by the cell to engulf and internalize extracellular substances.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that provides flexible support in various structures. Ears, joints, and the nose all contain cartilage. Muscles, however, are made up of muscle tissue, not cartilage. Therefore, muscles do not contain cartilage. Choice A, ears, choice B, joints, and choice D, nose, are incorrect as they all contain cartilage. Choice C, muscles, is the correct answer as muscles are not composed of cartilage.