A Level Biology Practice Exam

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Prepare for the A Level Biology Exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Build your confidence and improve your understanding of key concepts to excel in your exam!

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What characterizes ectopic heartbeat?

after a brief pause in the heart rhythm
extra heartbeats that are out of the normal rhythm
increased heart rate during exercise
the complete absence of heartbeats

The correct answer is: extra heartbeats that are out of the normal rhythm

Ectopic heartbeat is characterized by extra heartbeats that occur outside the normal rhythm. These extra beats can originate from different areas of the heart, leading to an irregular heartbeat pattern. This can happen due to various factors, such as stress, caffeine, or underlying heart conditions. The presence of these extra beats can disrupt the regular rhythm established by the sinoatrial node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart. In contrast, a brief pause in heart rhythm refers to a different type of arrhythmia and is not specific to ectopic beats. An increased heart rate during exercise is a normal physiological response to physical activity, and while it may involve abnormalities in rhythm under certain conditions, it does not specifically describe ectopic heartbeat. Lastly, the complete absence of heartbeats signifies a more severe condition, such as cardiac arrest, which is not related to the concept of ectopic heartbeats.