Problem: I read this background article the other day: Alpine climate is the average weather (climate) for the alpine tundra. The climate becomes colder at high elevationsthis characteristic is described by the lapse rate of air: air tends to get colder as it rises, since it expands. The dry adiabatic lapse rate is 10 C per km (5.5 F per 1000 ft) of elevation or altitude. Therefore, moving up 100 metres (330 ft) on a mountain is roughly equivalent to moving 80 kilometers (45 miles or 0.75 of latitude) towards the pole. This relationship is only approximate, however, since local factors such as proximity to oceans can drastically modify the climate. I am facing a new situation today: Two regions of the same country had very different climates because of the different landscapes. East region had an alpine landscape, was situated in the mountains. North region was flat and located at sea level. Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Which region didn't have a warmer climate?

A: East

Problem: I read this background article the other day: Protozoa generally feed by engulfing and digesting other organisms. As consumers, they have various roles in food chains and webs. Some are predators. They prey upon other single-celled organisms, such as bacteria. In fact, protozoa predators keep many bacterial populations in check. Other protozoa are herbivores. They graze on algae. Still others are decomposers. They consume dead organic matter. There are also parasitic protozoa that live in or on living hosts. For example, the protozoan that causes malaria lives inside a human host. For their part, protozoa are important food sources for many larger organisms, including insects and worms. I am facing a new situation today: Two biologists studied different living creatures. Matt studied protozoa, while his friend Greg studied nematodes and insects. Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Which friend studied less about herbivore protozoa?

A: Greg

Problem: I read this background article the other day: Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver. It is caused by a virus called hepatitis B, which can be passed through sexual activity. Hepatitis B causes vomiting. It also causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. The disease goes away on its own in some people. Other people are sick for the rest of their lives. In these people, the virus usually damages the liver. It may also lead to liver cancer. Medicines can help prevent liver damage in these people. There is also a vaccine to protect against hepatitis B. I am facing a new situation today: Keith is a doctor in a local hospital. Today, he is seeing three patients, patient A, patient B, and patient C. Patient A has been suffering from hepatitis B all his life; patient B is recovering from hepatitis B on his own; and patient C doesn't have hepatitis B. Keith would now compare the symptoms of these patients. Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Which patient's symptoms would less likely include vomiting, patient A or patient C?

A: patient C

Problem: I read this background article the other day: Old age begins in the mid-60s and lasts until the end of life. Most people over 65 have retired from work, freeing up their time for hobbies, grandchildren, and other interests. Stamina, strength, reflex time, and the senses all decline during old age, and the number of brain cells decreases as well. The immune system becomes less efficient, increasing the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer and pneumonia. Diseases such as Alzheimer's disease that cause loss of mental function also become more common. I am facing a new situation today: Doctors studied two groups of individuals: group O with people over 65, and group S with people under 65 years old. They published the results in a magazine. Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Which group had fewer people with decreased stamina?

A:
group S