Conditions that Support Life

Hydrogen and helium departed from the atmosphere early in Earth’s history. Which mechanism caused this departure?

• Helium was attracted by gas giants that were much closer to Earth’s orbit at the time.

• Solar heating allowed the hydrogen and helium to escape Earth’s gravity and move into space.

• Biological reactions stored most of the hydrogen in Earth’s early life-forms.

• Chemical reactions trapped most of the helium in Earth’s crust.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

What dramatic light show happens when charged particles move along the Earth's magnetic field?

• the ozone

• Aurora Borealis

• the magnetosphere

• the stratosphere

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

Earth is within the habitable zone of our solar system. How does this distance affect the water on Earth?

• by increasing the amount of water in its liquid, solid and gas phases

• by reducing the ability of water to bond to other substances

• by allowing water to exist as a liquid, solid and gas

• by decreasing the ability of water to dissolve other substances

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which layer of the atmosphere is the ozone layer found?

• troposphere

• stratosphere

• the magnetic layer

• exosphere

Which process contributed to the buildup of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere?

• volcanic emissions of methane

• volcanic emissions of water vapor

• the process of photosynthesis by cyanobacteria

• heat build up from greenhouse gasses

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

The ozone layer provides shielding from harmful ultraviolet light from the Sun, allowing life to thrive on Earth. What gas makes up this layer?

• H₂O

• CO₂

• N₂

• O₃

Which of the following is most necessary for life to develop on a planet?

• liquid water

• rocky surfaces

• warm soil

• atmospheric oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which feature of the Earth protects us from the solar radiation known as the solar wind that would strip away our atmosphere?

• the ozone layer

• the Aurora Borealis

• the magnetosphere

• the stratosphere

Which of the following is most necessary for life to develop on another planet?

• liquid water

• rocky surfaces

• warm soil

• atmospheric oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which provides the oldest evidence for oxygen accumulation in Earth’s atmosphere?

• the earliest fossils of animals

• the earliest layers of oxidized rock

• the earliest layers of limestone

• there is no way to prove oxygen accumulation in the atmosphere

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6