NC Released EOG 8 Science (2024)

Paula discovered three sedimentary rock layers that contain fossils of a lizard species. The list below shows how Paula described the lizards’ appearance in each layer.

Top layer: The lizards had thick tails that were about 1 inch in length.

Middle layer: The lizards had round tails that were about 2 inches in length.

Bottom layer: The lizards had flexible tails that were about 3 inches in length.

Which conclusion do Paula’s findings best support?

• Lizards with short tails hunted the other types into extinction.

• Lizards with long tails lived in the area for a longer period of time.

• Lizards in the area gradually developed longer tails.

• Lizards in the area gradually developed shorter tails.

Answer explanation

Paula's findings show a progression from lizards with shorter tails in the top layer to longer tails in the bottom layer, indicating that lizards in the area gradually developed longer tails over time.

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How do plants contribute to the water cycle?

• Plants absorb water vapor and then release water into the soil by the process of evaporation.

• Plants absorb water vapor and then release water into the soil by the process of transpiration.

• Plants absorb groundwater and then release water into the atmosphere by the process of evaporation.

• Plants absorb groundwater and then release water into the atmosphere by the process of transpiration.

Answer explanation

Plants contribute to the water cycle by absorbing groundwater and releasing water vapor into the atmosphere through transpiration, which is the correct process, unlike evaporation.

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What happens to water at the ocean’s surface as it moves from the equator toward the Arctic Ocean?

• The water cools, causing its density to decrease.

• The water cools, causing its density to increase.

• The water cools, causing its humidity to decrease.

• The water cools, causing its humidity to increase.

Answer explanation

As water moves from the equator toward the Arctic Ocean, it cools. Cooler water is denser, leading to an increase in density. Therefore, the correct answer is that the water cools, causing its density to increase.

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The list below describes the characteristics of the forelimbs of an American toad and a bottlenose dolphin.

Each of the toad’s forelimbs has four fingers. The toad uses its forelimbs to grasp objects and walk.

The dolphin’s forelimbs are flippers with no fingers. The dolphin uses its flippers to change direction as it moves through water.

Both the toad’s and dolphin’s forelimbs contain bones that have many structural similarities.

Which conclusion does this information best support?

• Random chance led to the development of two animals with different body structures.

• These animals evolved separately from their own unique ancestors and do not share a common ancestor.

• These animals share a common ancestor, and natural selection produced two animals that use their forelimbs for different purposes.

• The toad’s ancestors chose to be well-adapted to grasping, while the dolphin’s ancestors chose to be well-adapted to moving through water.

Answer explanation

The similarities in bone structure suggest a common ancestor. Natural selection adapted the forelimbs for different functions: grasping in toads and swimming in dolphins, supporting the idea of divergent evolution.

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How can people be good stewards of water resources?

• by preventing the addition of chemicals at water facilities

• by increasing the number of wells near farmland

• by limiting nonessential usage of water

• by building a dam near wetland areas

Answer explanation

Limiting nonessential usage of water helps conserve this vital resource, ensuring it is available for essential needs and reducing waste. This practice is crucial for sustainable water management.

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How is geothermal energy classified?

• as a nonrenewable resource, because geothermal power plants produce greenhouse gases

• as a nonrenewable resource, because geothermal energy can be depleted

• as a renewable resource, because geothermal power plants do not produce greenhouse gases

• as a renewable resource, because geothermal energy cannot be depleted

Answer explanation

Geothermal energy is classified as a renewable resource because it is continuously replenished by the Earth's heat and cannot be depleted in a practical sense, unlike nonrenewable resources.

Permafrost is created when the water in the ground freezes and remains frozen year-round. Alaska has permafrost that has remained frozen for at least 12,000 years. Scientists have discovered that this permafrost contains powerful greenhouse gases, and the permafrost releases these gases to the atmosphere as it melts. What relationship might exist between global climate change and this permafrost?

• Increasing air temperatures will cause more permafrost to melt, and then more greenhouse gases will be released into the atmosphere.

• Increasing air temperatures will cause less permafrost to melt, and then fewer greenhouse gases will be released into the atmosphere.

• The permafrost will cause global air temperatures to decrease, and then more greenhouse gases will get trapped in the permafrost.

• The permafrost will cause global air temperatures to increase, and then fewer greenhouse gases will get trapped in the permafrost.

Answer explanation

Increasing air temperatures lead to more permafrost melting, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This creates a feedback loop that exacerbates global climate change.

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A community uses a hydroelectric dam to generate electricity. The dam’s reservoir also flows into a water treatment plant to make the water suitable for human consumption. Suppose a drought were to occur in this community. What benefit would there be in conserving the water people use in their homes?

• Conserving water would increase the sustainability of the reservoir, decreasing the amount of time the hydroelectric dam could be used as a source of electricity.

• Conserving water would increase the sustainability of the reservoir, increasing the amount of time the hydroelectric dam could be used as a source of electricity.

• Conserving water would decrease the sustainability of the reservoir, decreasing the amount of time the hydroelectric dam could be used as a source of electricity.

• Conserving water would decrease the sustainability of the reservoir, increasing the amount of time the hydroelectric dam could be used as a source of electricity.

Answer explanation

Conserving water helps maintain the reservoir's water levels, ensuring a longer supply for both drinking and hydroelectric generation. This increases the sustainability of the reservoir and extends the dam's operational time.

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How are viruses similar to parasites?

• Viruses and parasites cause diseases that cannot be prevented or treated.

• Viruses and parasites cause diseases that can be treated with fungicides.

• Viruses and parasites are multicellular organisms.

• Viruses and parasites require a host organism.

Answer explanation

Viruses and parasites both depend on a host organism to survive and reproduce. This is a key similarity, as they cannot live independently outside of their hosts.

The food web below represents the interactions of organisms P through U. Select (click) the two food sources for organism U.

• organism P

• organism Q

• organism R

• organism S

• organism T

Answer explanation

Organism U feeds on organisms S and T, as indicated in the food web. Organisms P, Q, and R are not food sources for U.

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