QUIZ 1. What evolutionary phenomenon is not a defense mechanism that helps to clear pathogens? a. Fever b. Cough c. Diarrhea d. Pain Answer: d. Each of these defense mechanisms has evolved to clear pathogens more easily, except for pain, which instead acts as a warning system that something has gone wrong in the body. 2. What is the evolutionary benefit of morning sickness? a. It expels toxic substances from the body. b. It restricts the eating of potentially toxic substances. c. It is a side effect of having high human chorionic gonadotropin levels. d. There is no evolutionary benefit to this phenomenon. Answer: b. Morning sickness is believed to prevent birth defects by restricting the access to potentially toxic substances in the diet. 3. Which drug did not originally evolve as a protective mechanism for plants against insect infestation? a. Nicotine b. LSD c. Opium d. Cocaine Answer: b. Each of these is a protective mechanism that protect plants against disease from insects but they happen to affect the human nervous system as well.
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