Water Cycle

Which of the following statements best describes an animal impacting the hydrologic cycle?

• Water from precipitation is absorbed into an animal's fur and is then released inside the animal's body.

• When an animal breathes out, water vapor from inside the animal's lungs is released into the air.

• Water that an animal drinks to keep their body healthy is permanently removed from the hydrologic cycle.

• When an animal digs a burrow, it disrupts the environment and stops water from evaporating in that area.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

John covered the leaves of an outdoor plant with a clear, plastic bag. He then tied the bag shut around the stem of the plant. At the end of the day, he observed that the inside of the plastic bag was covered with moisture and was difficult to see through, as shown in the image.

What caused the inside of the plastic bag to become covered with moisture?

• The stem of the plant was unable to absorb water in the air because the bag was tied to it.

• The Sun condensed the water that was trapped in the air when the bag was tied on the plant.

• Water from the air seeped into the bag and became trapped on the inner surface.

• Water vapor transpired from the leaves of the plant and became trapped in the bag.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Engineers build dams to control the water in a river or generate renewable energy. A dam blocks the natural flow of the river, which causes water to store above the dam and create a lake. The water can be released from the dam if the engineer opens the gates that block the water. A diagram of a dam is shown.

How could the dam negatively impact the surrounding environment?

• New species of fish could move into the ecosystem below the dam and compete for food supplies.

• The number of plants that live in the ecosystem below the dam could decrease because there is too much water.

• Small streams below the dam could dry up and cause a drought in the river ecosystem.

• The ecosystem below the dam could have an increase in rainfall, which could cause flooding.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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What occurs during the process of condensation in the water cycle?

• a change in state from solid to liquid

• a change in state from liquid to solid

• a change in state from gas to liquid

• a change in state from liquid to gas

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

The image is an illustration of contour plowing, which is the process of growing crops along the contours of a hill.

What benefits does this type of farming have?

• It helps farmers to harvest more quickly.

• It helps the plants to grow more uniformly.

• It helps protect the plants during freezing weather.

• It helps slow water run-off and prevent soil erosion.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Soil erosion is a natural process that occurs as a result of the hydrologic cycle. When rainwater falls, it flows downhill as runoff toward an accumulation of water. As it flows, the water can carry away the topsoil of a field. Topsoil is the top layer of soil that contains a high concentration of nutrients to support plant growth.

Scientists are designing an investigation to determine changes that occur in a forest that has been cleared. As part of their investigation, they want to collect data about soil erosion. Which investigation best provides data on soil erosion?

• count the number of trees that grew in the area before it was cleared

• determine the amount of nutrients found in the topsoil of other forests

• test rainwater to evaluate the amount of acid rain in the area

• measure the depth of topsoil before and after rainstorms

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following is an example of condensation in the water cycle?

• the formation of water vapor

• the formation of ground water

• the formation of icebergs

• the formation of clouds

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Acid rain is precipitation that has become acidic over time. It is caused by pollution from human activities. Acid rain is harmful to aquatic environments and forests.

Which of these could be used to determine the amount of acid rain that might occur in the hydrologic cycle of an area?

• A device that measures the amount of chemicals released into the air by a factory.

• A device that measures the concentration of pollutants in a specific area of the ocean.

• A tool that identifies the types of chemicals that transpire from plants.

• A tool that identifies the types of trash entering bodies of water.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

In dry areas, farmers often dig wells to provide water to their crops. How could using a well to pump large amounts of water out of the ground most likely impact the hydrologic cycle and the environment?

• The local water table could be lowered, causing many plants to die.

• The hydrologic cycle could stop in the surrounding areas, causing a drought.

• The climate in the area could change, causing a decrease in groundwater.

• Local streams and ponds could flood, causing harm to plants and animals.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Which of the following describes an animal that is contributing to the cycling of water in the hydrologic cycle?

• A fish swims upstream in a flowing river.

• A monkey is cooled as sweat evaporates from its skin.

• A butterfly hides under tall grass during precipitation.

• A sea anemone lives in a habitat of seawater.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4