Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It houses centers that oversee these involuntary processes, making it the correct answer. The pons, midbrain, and thalamus do not primarily control heart rate and breathing, thus making them incorrect choices for this question.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thoracic duct. The thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body and is responsible for draining lymph from most of the body. The jugular vein, subclavian vein, and aorta are not lymphatic vessels responsible for draining lymph. The jugular vein and subclavian vein are blood vessels, while the aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart. Understanding the role and anatomy of the lymphatic system is crucial for comprehending the body's immune response and fluid balance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct general formula for an alcohol is CnH2n+1OH, which can be simplified to CnH2nO. In this formula, 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms, '2n' represents the number of hydrogen atoms, and 'O' represents the oxygen atom present in the hydroxyl group of the alcohol. Therefore, the correct general formula for an alcohol is CnH2nO. Choice A, CₙH₂ₙ, does not account for the oxygen atom, which is essential in alcohols. Choice B, CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, does not include the oxygen atom or the necessary hydrogen atoms for the hydroxyl group. Choice C, CₙH₂ₙ₋₁, lacks the oxygen atom and also does not fulfill the requirements of the hydroxyl group. Thus, the most accurate representation of the general formula for an alcohol is CnH2nO.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Selective passage of materials. Tight junctions act as specialized structures between animal cells that create a barrier to the passage of materials. Their primary function is to prevent the leakage of extracellular fluid and control the selective passage of molecules between cells. This selective control is crucial in regulating the movement of substances across cell layers. Tight junctions do not directly facilitate communication between cells or provide anchorage between cells, as their main role is to regulate the passage of materials. Choices A and B are incorrect as tight junctions do not primarily serve for communication or anchorage between cells.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.