Earth & Space Midterm Review Part 1

According to plate tectonic theory, what was the size of the Atlantic Ocean 100 MYA?

• Much smaller than today

• Slightly smaller than today

• Much larger than today

• Slightly larger than today

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

In order to determine the relationship between fossils, the ages of the fossils need to be determined. Which process will most accurately determine the ages of the two similar fossils?

• Using seismic waves

• Using radioactive dating

• Comparing the two fossils to index fossils

• Looking at the geographical locations where the fossils are found

Which statement supports the theory of evolution?

• Different species sometimes evolve similar characteristics to adapt to similar environments

• Fossils from the coasts of Africa and South America are of the same species

• Fossils of aquatic species are uncovered within the strata of mountain ranges

• Some animals have become domesticated by humans to be used as livestock or pets

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

From about 4 BYA to about 2.5 BYA, free oxygen gas became more common in Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen was a toxic compound to most existing life forms from that time period. Today, oxygen is required by all but some of the most primitive life forms. Which statement best explains how the early life forms that were harmed by oxygen evolved into today's life forms that require it?

• Warming temperatures allowed the colonization of land environments, where oxygen was plentiful.

• Carbon dioxide-using organisms all became extinct, which allowed oxygen-using life forms to flourish in shallow oceans.

• Over time, many organisms gradually adated to a more oxygen-rich environment, allowing them to survive in shallow water and on land.

• The growth of seas allowed early organisms to survive by using dissolved carbon dioxide in the seaweed rather than using it directly from the air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A scientist has just made an important discovery. When he presents his findings to the scientific community, some people question the experiment and the evidence. How should this scientist handle the arguments that other scientists make against his data?

• Have other scientists explain his data to try and convince others.

• Design a new experiment and present different data to the scientific community.

• Rewrite the procedure and conduct the experiment again to make sure he gets the same results.

• Ask other scientists to follow his procedure and then present their evidence along with his own.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Limestone forms when the shells of certain marine organisms sink and become compacted on the ocean floor. Carbonic acid forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. Limestone dissolves easily in this acid. Which features form through this process in Florida?

• Lakes

• Beaches

• Sinkholes

• the Everglades

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A large volcanic eruption occurred spewing ash and other gases into the atmosphere. What is the most likely effect of the eruption on the carbon cycle?

• Decreased atmospheric carbon dioxide leves due to lower global temperatures.

• Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels due to lower global photosynthesis rates.

• Zero change in the level of carbon dioxide in the air.

• Decreased oceanic carbon dioxide levels due to water vapor absorbing heat and blocking the carbon dioxide from entering the oceans.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

What is the most common way an earthquake changes Earth's landforms?

• The earthquake wears away rock

• The earthquake scrapes out new valleys

• The earthquake shifts the position of land

• The earthquake spreads lava over a wide area

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Three groups of scientists conducted similar investigations to test a hypothesis related to the interactions of the hydrosphere and the geosphere. The hypothesis was supported by the data from all three groups. Which best explains whether the hypothesis should now be called a scientific theory?

• Yes, it should be a theory because the hypothesis was supported by data taken by all of the groups.

• No, it should not be a theory because a scientific theory is an explanation for a wide range of experimental results.

• Yes, it should not be a theory because the repeated observations establish the hypothesis as a law, not a scientific theory.

• Yes, it should be a theory because most of these scientists agree.

The Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico were formed by the same process as the caves and caverns in Florida. Based on what is known about cave formation in Florida, which of the following processes most likely formed the Carlsbad Cavern?

• The flow of lava through the underground tubes

• The physical abrasion of rock by gravel moving in water

• The carbonate rock dissolving in acidic rain and groundwater

• The repositioning of highly fractured rock by tectonic processes