Science benchmark study guide part 4

What is the primary source of energy for the Earth?

• The moon

• Geothermal energy

• The sun

• Fossil fuels

Answer explanation

The primary source of energy for the Earth is the sun. It provides the light and heat necessary for life, driving weather patterns and photosynthesis, unlike the moon, geothermal energy, or fossil fuels.

How does ocean temperature affect weather patterns?

• It has no effect

• It influences storm intensity and frequency

• It stabilizes weather conditions

• It only affects marine life

Answer explanation

Ocean temperature significantly influences weather patterns, particularly by affecting storm intensity and frequency. Warmer waters can lead to more powerful storms, making this choice the correct answer.

What is a major consequence of habitat destruction?

• Increased biodiversity

• Loss of species

• Enhanced ecosystem stability

• Improved air quality

Answer explanation

A major consequence of habitat destruction is the loss of species. As habitats are destroyed, many organisms lose their homes and resources, leading to declines in populations and potential extinction.

What is a primary cause of coral bleaching?

• Increased nutrients in water

• Ocean warming

• Decreased sunlight

• Pollution

Answer explanation

Ocean warming is a primary cause of coral bleaching as elevated temperatures stress corals, leading them to expel the symbiotic algae they rely on for nutrients and color, resulting in bleaching.

What is the significance of the carbon cycle?

• It has no significance

• It regulates Earth's temperature and supports life

• It only affects plants

• It is only important for animals

Answer explanation

The carbon cycle is crucial as it regulates Earth's temperature and supports life by facilitating the exchange of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms, ensuring a balanced ecosystem.

What type of natural disaster can be caused by a sudden release of methane gas?

• Tornado

• Earthquake

• Mudslide

• Flood

Answer explanation

A sudden release of methane gas can destabilize soil, leading to a mudslide. Unlike tornadoes, earthquakes, or floods, mudslides are directly associated with the ground's integrity being compromised by gas release.

What is one of the main functions of the atmosphere?

• To trap pollutants

• To provide oxygen and carbon dioxide

• To create weather

• To block sunlight

Answer explanation

One of the main functions of the atmosphere is to provide essential gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, which are crucial for life on Earth. This makes 'To provide oxygen and carbon dioxide' the correct choice.

How does pollution affect human health?

• It has no effect

• It can cause respiratory issues and other health problems

• It improves overall health

• It only affects animals

Answer explanation

Pollution can lead to serious health issues, particularly respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, as well as other health complications. Thus, the correct choice is that it can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.

What is the relationship between climate and weather?

• Climate is a long-term pattern; weather is short-term

• Weather is always predictable

• Climate can change daily

• They are the same thing

Answer explanation

Climate refers to long-term atmospheric patterns in a region, while weather describes short-term conditions. Therefore, the correct choice is that climate is a long-term pattern; weather is short-term.

What is the primary focus of environmental science?

• To promote industrial growth

• To study the interactions between humans and the environment

• To understand only biological systems

• To ignore human impact

Answer explanation

The primary focus of environmental science is to study the interactions between humans and the environment, which includes understanding how human activities impact natural systems and vice versa.