The Following Questions Refer to the Description Below

question 58

Multiple Choice

The following questions refer to the description below.
The cycads, a mostly tropical phylum of gymnosperms, evolved about 300 million years ago and were dominant forms during the Age of the Dinosaurs. Though their sperm are flagellated, their ovules are pollinated by beetles. These beetles get nutrition (they eat pollen) and shelter from the microsporophylls. Upon visiting megasporophylls, the beetles transfer pollen to the exposed ovules. In cycads, pollen cones and seed cones are borne on different plants. Cycads synthesize neurotoxins, especially in the seeds, that are effective against most animals, including humans.
-Native peoples of Guam, such as the Chamorro people, are familiar with the toxicity of cycad tissues, and avoid eating them. They do, however, feast on flying foxes. The Chamorros suffer relatively high incidences of a neurodegenerative disease similar to Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) . Which question follows most logically from these observations?

• A)Do the fruits of cycads also contain the neurotoxins?
• B)Do pollen-producing cones produce as much neurotoxin as seed-producing cones?
• C)Is the neurodegenerative disease of the Chamorros transmitted by the bite of the flying fox, similar to the way vampire bats can transmit rabies?
• D)Do flying foxes concentrate the cycad neurotoxins in their tissues?
• E)Can it be documented whether Lou Gehrig ever traveled to Guam and, if so, did he eat cycad seeds?

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Definitions:

Self-Esteem

A person's overall sense of their value or worth, or the extent to which they appreciate, value, or like themselves.

Goal Setting

The practice of identifying specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives in both personal and professional contexts, to guide actions and monitor progress.

Personal Identity

Refers to a person's self-conception and self-perception, influenced by their beliefs, personality traits, values, and physical characteristics, among other factors.

Adolescence

The transitional stage of physical and psychological development that occurs between childhood and adulthood, typically from puberty to legal adulthood.