Why is biodiversity important for healthy ecosystems?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular area. A diverse ecosystem is better able to withstand and recover from disturbances such as natural disasters, climate change, or human impacts. This is because different species play unique roles in the ecosystem, and a higher level of biodiversity means there are more species available to fulfill these roles. For example, if one species is negatively affected by a disturbance, other species may be able to compensate for its loss, maintaining the overall functioning of the ecosystem. Therefore, biodiversity provides stability and resilience to disturbances, making ecosystems healthier and more sustainable. Choice A is incorrect because biodiversity doesn't increase competition for resources but rather helps in maintaining a balance within the ecosystem. Choice C is incorrect as biodiversity does not slow down nutrient cycling; in fact, it enhances nutrient cycling by ensuring a variety of species involved in the process. Choice D is incorrect as biodiversity does not reduce the number of decomposers but instead supports a diverse community of decomposers that are essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, play a crucial role in the cardiovascular system by primarily transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs. This essential function is carried out through the interaction of hemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the body's tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Red blood cells are not actively involved in fighting infections, regulating blood clotting, or eliminating waste products from the body.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: 1. Boiling point elevation: When a solute is added to a solvent, it raises the boiling point of the solution compared to the pure solvent. This phenomenon is known as boiling point elevation. 2. Van't Hoff factor: The extent of boiling point elevation depends on the number of particles the solute dissociates into in the solution. NaCl dissociates into two ions (Na+ and Cl-) in water, while glucose does not dissociate into ions. Therefore, NaCl has a higher Van't Hoff factor than glucose. 3. Colligative properties: Boiling point elevation is a colligative property, meaning it depends on the concentration of the solute particles, not the identity of the solute. Since both NaCl and glucose are 1 M solutions, the NaCl solution will have a higher boiling point due to its higher Van't Hoff factor. 4. Conclusion: The NaCl solution

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decomposition reaction. When sugar is heated, it undergoes a decomposition reaction where it breaks down into simpler substances, carbon, and water vapor. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a combination reaction where two or more substances combine to form a new compound. Choice A, Combination reaction, is incorrect because a combination reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a new compound, which is the opposite of what happens when sugar breaks down. Choices C and D, Double displacement reaction and Single displacement reaction, are incorrect as they involve different mechanisms where the atoms or ions of the reactants are exchanged, which is not the case in the breakdown of sugar into carbon and water vapor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Laser light differs from typical light sources due to its monochromatic nature (single color) and coherence (synchronized waves). This means that laser light consists of a single wavelength and synchronized waves, unlike typical light sources that emit a range of wavelengths and are incoherent. The monochromatic nature of laser light allows it to be of a single color, while coherence ensures that the waves are synchronized. These unique properties of laser light make it valuable for a wide range of applications in fields such as medicine, industry, and research. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because laser light's distinguishing features are not related to enhanced brightness, increased velocity, or limited visibility to the human eye. Instead, it is the monochromatic nature and coherence that set laser light apart from typical light sources.