JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019

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The exception to Darwin's proposed conditions for natural selection is "food and other needs are abundant." In Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, he proposed that nature selects those organisms that are best adapted to their environment, and those that are not well-adapted will not survive and reproduce. This selection process occurs because resources such as food and other necessities are limited, and only those that are able to obtain these resources will survive and reproduce. If resources were abundant, there would be no need for competition, and selection would not occur.

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A nitrifying bacterium is a type of bacterium that is capable of converting nitrogen compounds from one form to another. Out of the options you provided, the correct nitrifying bacterium is Nitrobacter. Nitrobacter is a genus of bacteria that oxidizes nitrite (NO2-) to nitrate (NO3-). This process is called nitrification and is an important part of the nitrogen cycle in the environment.

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Operculum or gill cover helps the tilapia fish in gaseous exchange.

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Genes are the inheritable character/features possessed by an organism. They are the basic unit of heredity and carry information from one generation to the next. A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein. The proteins made by genes control the growth, development, and function of our bodies. Each of us has many thousands of genes, which together determine our traits and characteristics. So, genes are the underlying cause of the traits and characteristics that are passed down from parent to offspring.

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The main organic molecule present in the nucleus is DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). DNA is the genetic material that contains the instructions for the development, function, growth, and reproduction of all living things. It is a long, double-stranded molecule that is organized into structures called chromosomes. The information in DNA is encoded in a sequence of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). This sequence determines the genetic code and controls the expression of genes, which are the functional units of heredity. In addition to DNA, the nucleus also contains other organic molecules, such as RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) and proteins, which play important roles in the regulation and expression of genetic information. However, DNA is the central and most critical molecule in the nucleus, as it carries the blueprint for life.

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The cerebrum controls all voluntary actions. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for controlling movement, sensation, thought, and emotion. It is divided into two hemispheres, the left and the right, each of which controls different functions. The cerebrum is responsible for conscious decision making and voluntary movements, such as moving your arm or leg. The other options you listed, the olfactory lobes, hypothalamus, and pons varolii, have different functions in the brain. The olfactory lobes are responsible for the sense of smell, the hypothalamus controls basic functions like hunger and thirst, and the pons varolii is involved in breathing and other autonomic functions.

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Among the options listed, clay has the highest water retaining capacity. This is because clay particles are very small and have a large surface area, allowing them to attract and hold onto water molecules tightly through a process called adsorption. Additionally, the spaces between the clay particles are very small, which creates a high capillary action that further helps the clay to retain water. In contrast, sand particles are much larger and have a lower surface area, which means that water molecules are less likely to adhere to them. Sand also has larger spaces between its particles, which results in a lower capillary action and less water retention. Loam and laterite fall somewhere in between clay and sand in terms of their water retention capabilities, depending on their specific composition.

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The organism that changes light energy into stored chemical energy in an ecosystem is the producer. Producers are typically plants and algae that use photosynthesis to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in the form of glucose (sugar). This stored energy is then used as a source of food and energy for other organisms in the ecosystem. Consumers, on the other hand, are organisms that consume producers or other consumers to obtain energy. Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter and return nutrients to the soil. Carnivores are consumers that eat other consumers. So, in summary, the producer is the organism that converts light energy into stored chemical energy, while consumers, decomposers, and carnivores obtain energy by eating other organisms.

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One of the major ways in which the blood is able to defend the body against disease-causing organisms is through a process called clumping, also known as agglutination. When foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses enter the bloodstream, the immune system produces specific proteins called antibodies that can recognize and bind to these foreign substances. Once the antibodies bind to the foreign substances, they can then cause the foreign substances to clump together or agglutinate. This clumping makes it easier for other immune cells to detect and destroy the foreign substances. For example, white blood cells called macrophages can engulf and destroy clumps of foreign substances that have been marked by antibodies. , Absorption of fatty acids and glycerol, is not related to the immune system's defense against disease-causing organisms. Single circulation, and Translocation, are terms related to circulatory system physiology, and are not related to the immune system's defense against disease-causing organisms.

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The correct answer is: "Fusion of sperm and egg nuclei" Fertilization is the process in which a male gamete (sperm) combines with a female gamete (egg or ovum) to form a zygote, which is the first cell of the new organism. In higher organisms, including humans, fertilization occurs when a sperm cell penetrates the outer membrane of the egg cell and fuses with the egg's nucleus, resulting in the fusion of genetic material from both the sperm and the egg. The other options listed are not examples of fertilization. - Pollen grain landing on a sticky stigma is a process called pollination, which occurs in plants. Pollen grains contain male gametes, but pollination is not the same as fertilization, as the male and female gametes do not actually combine until after the pollen tube grows down into the ovule and the sperm cells are released to fuse with the egg. - Ejaculation of the egg and pollen grain is not a biological process that occurs in any known organism. - Ejaculation of sperm into the female body is the first step in the process of fertilization, but it is not fertilization itself. The sperm must still reach and penetrate the egg to complete the process of fertilization.

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Water passes through the root cell membrane by osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration across a semi-permeable membrane. In plants, water is absorbed through the root hairs of the plant and moves into the root cells. The root cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning that it allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others. Water molecules are small enough to pass through the membrane, but larger molecules like cell sap, carbon dioxide, and oxygen cannot pass through by osmosis. Therefore, the correct answer is water.

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Fats have the highest amount of energy in joules per unit weight compared to carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. This is because fats contain more carbon and hydrogen atoms than carbohydrates and proteins, and these atoms have a higher potential to release energy when they are broken down and burned during cellular respiration. One gram of fat provides about 9 calories (37.7 kJ) of energy, while one gram of carbohydrates or proteins provides only about 4 calories (16.7 kJ) of energy. Vitamins, on the other hand, are not significant sources of energy and play important roles in supporting various metabolic processes in the body. To put it simply, fats contain more energy per unit weight than other substances because they are made up of more energy-rich carbon and hydrogen atoms.

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Ecology is best defined as the study of the inter-relationship between living organisms and the environment. It is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings, including both living and non-living components of the environment. Ecology is a broad field that encompasses many different areas of study, including the study of populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes. Ecologists examine the ways in which living organisms interact with each other and with their physical and chemical environment, as well as the ways in which human activities can impact these interactions. By understanding the relationships between organisms and their environment, ecologists can develop strategies for conservation, management, and restoration of ecosystems. For example, ecologists can study the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, and develop plans to mitigate these impacts and help protect the biodiversity of our planet. So, the correct answer is "the inter-relationship between living organisms and the environment."

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The structure that controls the activities of the living cell is the nucleus. The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell. It serves as the control center for the cell, directing all of its activities by regulating the expression of genes. The DNA in the nucleus provides the instructions for making proteins, which are the building blocks of the cell and carry out various functions in the body. The nucleus also plays a critical role in cell division, which is the process by which new cells are formed. During cell division, the DNA in the nucleus is replicated and then distributed to the daughter cells, ensuring that they each receive a complete set of genetic material. In summary, the nucleus is responsible for regulating gene expression and directing all of the activities of the cell. It is the structure that controls the fundamental processes of life, making it a vital organelle in all living organisms.

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Haemophilia is not a transmittable character in plants. Haemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects blood clotting in humans and other animals, and it has no relevance to plants. On the other hand, the habit of growth, resistance to environmental factors, and lifespan are all heritable traits that can be transmitted from parent plants to their offspring through genetic material such as DNA. The habit of growth refers to the overall shape and size of the plant, including whether it is a tree, shrub, or herb. Resistance to environmental factors refers to a plant's ability to survive in adverse conditions such as drought, high salinity, or extreme temperatures. Lifespan refers to the length of time that a plant can live and reproduce. All of these traits are important for plant survival and are determined by genetic factors that can be passed down from one generation to the next.

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The basis of growth involves the following processes except cell reduction. Growth in living organisms is the result of an increase in the size and number of cells. This is achieved through processes such as cell division, cell enlargement, and cell differentiation. Cell division involves the replication of DNA and the separation of the replicated chromosomes into two identical daughter cells. This leads to an increase in the number of cells in an organism. Cell enlargement involves an increase in the size of individual cells due to an increase in the amount of cytoplasm and organelles. This leads to an increase in the overall size of an organism. Cell differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized and take on specific functions within an organism. Cell reduction, on the other hand, involves a decrease in the size or number of cells, and is not a part of the basis of growth. Instead, cell reduction is a process that is associated with aging, disease, and other factors that can lead to a decrease in the size or number of cells in an organism.

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Green plants are autotropic. This means that they are able to produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil to produce glucose, which is their source of energy. This characteristic sets plants apart from animals and other organisms that are heterotrophic and rely on other organisms for their food.

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The theory of natural selection stated by Charles Darwin is not "Characteristics acquired through use or disuse are transmitted to offspring". This idea is sometimes referred to as "Lamarkism," and it was popular before Darwin's theory of natural selection became widely accepted. The theory of natural selection states that variations that are beneficial for survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to the next generation, while variations that are harmful are less likely to be passed on. However, the theory does not suggest that the use or disuse of a particular trait can directly cause it to be transmitted to offspring. Instead, the transmission of traits is determined by the genetic information that is passed from parents to offspring.

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The insect trapping movements of the leaves of the Venus flytrap is a behavioral adaptation for obtaining food. The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that is native to the southeastern United States. Its leaves are modified in a unique way to trap and digest insects. The leaves of the Venus flytrap are divided into two lobes that are hinged together. The leaves also have tiny trigger hairs on their inner surfaces. When an insect touches these trigger hairs, the lobes of the leaf snap shut, trapping the insect inside. The leaf then secretes digestive enzymes that break down the insect's body, providing the plant with nutrients it needs to survive. This behavior is an adaptation that allows the Venus flytrap to live in nutrient-poor soil environments. By being able to capture and digest insects, the Venus flytrap is able to supplement its diet with the nutrients it needs to survive. So, the correct answer is "obtaining food."

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Halophiles are organisms that thrive in high salt concentrations. The adaptations of halophile organisms to their environment are:
(a) The integrity of non-halophile macromolecules is compromised, and the flow of water out of the cell produces a Turgor effect. • (b) Moderate halophiles maintain their structures via the synthesis of compatible organic solutes. • (c) Extreme halophiles maintain their structures via equilibration of cellular and environmental salt concentrations.

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Good quality food is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It provides us with the nutrients that we need to stay healthy and strong. However, it is important to note that good quality food cannot provide resistance against malaria. Malaria is a disease that is caused by a parasite that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While good nutrition can help support a healthy immune system, it cannot provide specific resistance against malaria. The other functions listed are all important roles that good quality food can perform in the human body. 1. Supplying energy: Food provides us with the energy we need to carry out daily activities, from walking and talking to more strenuous activities like exercising or playing sports. 2. Maintaining health: Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods helps to maintain good health. Nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important for proper bodily function and can help prevent chronic diseases. 3. Sustaining growth: Children and teenagers require a balanced diet to support their growth and development. A diet rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron is essential for building strong bones, muscles, and other tissues. In summary, good quality food is important for supplying energy, maintaining health, and sustaining growth. However, it cannot provide specific resistance against malaria or other infectious diseases.

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The irregular and amoeboid-shaped blood corpuscles are called "Leucocytes," which are also known as white blood cells. Leucocytes are an essential part of our immune system, and their main function is to protect the body against infections, diseases, and foreign invaders. Unlike erythrocytes (red blood cells) and thrombocytes (platelets), which have a uniform, round shape, leucocytes are irregular and amoeboid in shape, allowing them to move freely throughout the body and easily pass through the walls of blood vessels to reach the site of infection or injury. Leucocytes are classified into two main types: granulocytes and agranulocytes, based on the presence or absence of granules in their cytoplasm. Granulocytes have granules in their cytoplasm and include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, while agranulocytes lack granules and include lymphocytes and monocytes. Overall, leucocytes play a critical role in our immune system and help keep us healthy by identifying and fighting off pathogens and foreign invaders.

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The part labeled III in the diagram is Hyphae. Hyphae are thread-like structures that form the main body of a fungus. They grow in a network called mycelium, which is made up of many hyphae. Hyphae are responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the environment and transporting them to the rest of the fungus. They also play a role in the reproduction of the fungus by producing spores. Hyphae can vary in size and shape, but they are typically very thin and can grow very long, allowing the fungus to spread over a large area.

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Turbidity is not typically considered a factor in a terrestrial habitat. A terrestrial habitat is a place where land-dwelling organisms, such as plants and animals, live and interact with their environment. Temperature, sunlight, and humidity are all important factors in determining the characteristics of a terrestrial habitat and the organisms that live there. Temperature affects the rate of biochemical reactions in organisms, while sunlight provides energy for photosynthesis in plants and affects the behavior of many animals. Humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air, can affect the water balance of plants and animals. On the other hand, turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid, such as water, due to the presence of suspended particles. Turbidity is typically associated with aquatic habitats, where it can affect the penetration of light and the availability of nutrients for aquatic plants and animals. In a terrestrial habitat, there is generally no water for particles to be suspended in, so turbidity is not usually a significant factor.

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Vegetable contains mineral salts like magnesium, copper etc which is very essential for body growth.

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Competition among individuals of a population increases the "Survival of the fittest". This means that individuals that are better adapted to their environment and can compete more effectively for resources are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this process can lead to the evolution of a population and can result in the survival of the strongest, most fit individuals. In a simple way, it's like a race where the fastest runner wins and gets to advance to the next round. Similarly, in a population, the individuals who are best equipped to survive and thrive will be more likely to do so, while those who are not as well adapted may struggle and eventually die off.

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The type of nutrition in which two organisms of different species live together and derive nutrients from each other is called symbiotic nutrition. In symbiotic nutrition, the two different species of organisms live together in a close relationship and mutually benefit from each other. One organism provides nutrients, such as food or shelter, to the other organism, and in return, the other organism provides nutrients or some other benefit to the first organism. This type of nutrition is also known as mutualism. Symbiotic nutrition can be found in various forms in nature. For example, the rhizobia bacteria live in the root nodules of leguminous plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plants can use. In return, the plants provide the bacteria with sugars and other nutrients. Another example is lichens, which are made up of a fungus and an alga living together. The fungus provides a protected environment for the alga, while the alga provides the fungus with sugars and other nutrients through photosynthesis. So, the correct answer is "symbiotic nutrition".

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The specific portion of a habitat that is occupied by a particular species is referred to as its "Ecological Niche". An ecological niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, including its relationships with other species, the way it obtains food and resources, and the physical conditions it requires to survive. Essentially, it's the species' unique way of life and how it fits into its habitat. For example, a bird species might have a specific ecological niche as a seed-eater, and it might occupy a certain area of a forest where seeds are abundant. Another species might occupy a different niche as a predator, hunting for insects in a different part of the forest. These two species have their own unique ecological niches and do not overlap in the way they interact with their environment.

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The appendix can be considered vestigial in humans but functional in other mammals. The appendix is a small pouch-like organ attached to the large intestine. In many other mammals, the appendix serves as a functional part of the digestive system, helping to break down cellulose and other tough plant materials that are difficult to digest. However, in humans, the appendix is considered vestigial, which means it is a structure that has lost its original function over the course of evolution. While the appendix may have had a digestive function in our distant ancestors, today it appears to have no essential role in our digestive system. However, the appendix does contain lymphoid tissue, which plays a role in the immune system, particularly during early childhood. This suggests that the appendix may still have some function in the immune system, though its exact role is not yet fully understood. In rare cases, the appendix can become inflamed and infected, leading to a condition called appendicitis. If left untreated, appendicitis can be life-threatening. In such cases, the appendix is removed through surgery, and the individual can still live a healthy life without any ill effects. In summary, the appendix is considered vestigial in humans, meaning it has lost its original function in the course of evolution. While it may still have some minor immune-related functions, it is not considered essential for human health, and in some cases, it can even be harmful if it becomes infected.

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Albinism is an expression of a trait controlled by recessive genes. Albinism is a genetic condition that results in a lack of melanin, a pigment that provides color to the skin, hair, and eyes. The condition is caused by mutations in genes that produce or distribute melanin. In order for an individual to have albinism, they must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent. If an individual inherits one normal gene and one mutated gene, they will not have albinism, but they will be a carrier of the condition and can pass it on to their offspring. This is why albinism is considered a recessive trait, meaning it is only expressed when two copies of the mutated gene are present. So, in summary, albinism is an expression of a trait controlled by recessive genes, meaning that it is caused by mutations in genes that produce or distribute melanin, and it is only expressed when two copies of the mutated gene are present.

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The glomerular filtrate contains all of the substances listed except blood corpuscles. The glomerular filtrate is a fluid that is filtered from the blood in the kidneys through a specialized structure called the glomerulus. This fluid contains water, small molecules like glucose, amino acids, and urea, and ions like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Blood corpuscles, also known as blood cells, are not normally present in the glomerular filtrate because they are too large to pass through the small pores in the glomerular capillaries. Blood cells are important components of blood that help to transport oxygen, fight infection, and support the body's immune system. The glomerular filtrate is a crucial step in the process of urine formation, as it allows for the selective reabsorption of important substances like water and glucose while removing waste products like urea. The remaining fluid is then processed by the kidney tubules to form urine, which is eventually excreted from the body. It is important to note that the composition of the glomerular filtrate can vary depending on a person's diet, hydration status, and overall health, and that disorders of the kidneys can affect the ability of the kidneys to filter and process this fluid correctly.

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The type of nutrition shown by Spirogyra is holophytic. Holophytic nutrition, also known as autotrophic nutrition, is a type of nutrition where an organism synthesizes its own food from inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide and water, using energy from the sun through the process of photosynthesis. Spirogyra is a type of filamentous green algae that belongs to the group of plants that can carry out photosynthesis to produce their own food. These plants contain chloroplasts, which are specialized organelles that contain chlorophyll, the pigment that absorbs light energy from the sun. During photosynthesis, Spirogyra takes in carbon dioxide and water and uses energy from sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for the growth and survival of Spirogyra and other autotrophic organisms.

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The components of glomerular filtrate are water, electrolytes (such as salts), small organic molecules (such as glucose and amino acids), and waste products (such as urea). Glomerular filtrate is formed in the kidneys and is the fluid that is filtered from the blood in the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney. The filtrate contains all the components of blood except for plasma proteins and red and white blood cells. In other words, glomerular filtrate is the fluid that is filtered from the blood and contains all the components of the blood except for large proteins and cells. It is an important step in the process of urine formation, as the filtrate travels through the renal tubules, where it is further modified and waste products are removed to form urine.

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Animals are said to be gregarious when they are of the same species and move together in a group. This behavior can be seen in various animals, such as wildebeests, zebras, and birds. There are different reasons why animals may exhibit gregarious behavior. One reason is for protection from predators. Being in a group makes it more difficult for a predator to target one individual. Animals in a group can also help defend against predators by displaying protective behaviors, such as giving an alarm to alert others when danger threatens. Another reason for gregarious behavior is for mating purposes. Some animals may form groups during breeding season, where males compete for females and display their dominance. So, the correct answer is "they are of the same species moving together in a group."

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The study which involves the inter-relationship between groups of organisms or species of organisms living together in an area is called synecology. Synecology is a branch of ecology that examines the interactions and relationships between different species in a given ecosystem or community. It considers the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the survival and growth of populations and how they interact with one another. This study helps us to understand the complex network of relationships between different species and how they are dependent on one another for their survival. It is important for understanding the dynamics of ecosystems and how they may change over time due to human or natural factors.

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Lymph is a fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Its main function is to help defend the body against harmful substances, such as viruses and bacteria, by removing waste and debris from tissues and transporting it to the bloodstream for elimination. This makes option "Body defense" the correct answer.

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Thunderstorms can be beneficial to plants because they add nitrogen to the soil. Lightning is an electrical discharge that can break apart nitrogen molecules in the air, and the resulting nitrogen compounds can fall to the ground in rainwater. Plants need nitrogen to grow, and thunderstorms can provide a natural source of this essential nutrient. However, it's important to note that while thunderstorms can bring benefits, they can also bring harm in the form of lightning strikes and flooding, so it's important to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property during severe weather.

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Artecology is the study of an individual organism or a single specie of organism and no environment

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Reading the verdict of a case by a magistrate is an example of a voluntary action. Voluntary actions are those actions that require conscious effort and decision-making. In this case, the magistrate has to actively choose to read the verdict and make a conscious effort to understand and communicate the decision to those involved in the case. It is not a reflex action, as it does not occur automatically in response to a stimulus. It is also not an instinct or a conditioned reflex, as it is not a natural behavior or a learned response to a particular situation.

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The association between two organisms living together in which only one benefits from the association while the other is neither benefited nor harmed is called commensalism. Commensalism is a type of ecological relationship that occurs when one organism benefits from the association, while the other organism is unaffected. The organism that benefits from the association is called the commensal, while the other organism is called the host. In this type of relationship, the commensal often uses the host for shelter, food, or transportation, but the host is not harmed or helped by the commensal in any way. For example, some birds and mammals, such as egrets and cattle, have a commensal relationship. The birds perch on the backs of the cattle and eat insects that are attracted to the cattle. The cattle are not affected by the presence of the birds, but the birds benefit from the association by gaining a steady source of food. In summary, commensalism is a type of ecological relationship in which one organism benefits from the association while the other is neither benefited nor harmed.