Midterm Examination in Earth Science

The distinct characteristic that made Earth different from any other planet.

• It is the only rocky planet.

• It is the only planet that turns around in space.

• It is the only planet that changes its structure

• It is the only planet that has animals and plants.

Why is Earth considered uniquely different from any other planets in the Solar system?

• Earth is the only planet that changes structure.

• Earth is the only planet that turns around in space.

• Earth is the only planet that is mostly covered with water.

• Earth is the only planet that is mostly made from rocks.

How does the atmosphere support other subsystems?

• It supplies organisms the needed oxygen and carbon dioxide.

• It absorbs all the minerals and nutrients from the geosphere.

• It serves as a reservoir for water vapor.

• It shapes the Earth's landforms by its constant movement as the wind.

Picture Analysis. The encircled area of the picture belongs to what subsystem of the Earth.

• Atmosphere

• Biosphere

• Geosphere

• Hydrosphere

The color of the powder that a mineral leaves on a piece of white, unglazed porcelain is called the _____________.

• Color

• Hardness

• Luster

• Streak

What is the hardest mineral based on the Mohs' Scale?

• Apatite

• Gypsum

• Diamond

• Talc

Write the sequence of how an igneous rock could change into metamorphic rock and then into magma?

• crystallization - heat and pressure - melting

• melting - crystallization - heat and pressure

• crystallization - melting - heat and pressure

• melting - heat and pressure - crystallization

Extrusive Igneous Rock: Earth's surface; Intrusive Igneous Rock: __________.

• Above the Earth's surface.

• On the Earth's surface

• Underneath the Earth's surface

• At the center.

What type of rocks are formed from sediments over long period of time?

• Igneous Rocks

• Metamorphic Rocks

• Sedimentary Rocks

• Minerals

What is the role of plants like trees in the weathering of rocks?

• The roots of plants trap the rocks.

• The plant moves water from the roots to the leaves.

• The leaves dissolve the rocks.

• The roots of plants grow into cracks of rocks and expand the rock.