Geology on Mars: End-of-Unit Review

If the rock that the Curiosity rover found on Mars was formed by lava, then it would be which type of rock?

• Conglomerate

• Basalt

• Geode

• Classic Rock

Answer explanation

Basalt is a common volcanic rock found on both Earth and Mars. It is formed from cooled lava. Conglomerate rocks are formed by flowing water, and geodes are different types of rocks. “Classic Rock” is not a type of geological rock.

Why do scientists study landforms on Earth to understand those on Mars?

• They are curious about other planets.

• Similar landforms suggest similar formation processes.

• Landforms on different planets are identical.

• Earth is the only planet with landforms.

Answer explanation

Studying similar landforms on Earth helps scientists infer that similar geologic processes may have occurred on Mars, providing insights into the planet’s history.

What is the purpose of using models in scientific studies?

• To make things look more complicated.

• To test ideas and gather evidence about difficult-to-observe processes.

• To replace real-world observations.

• To create exact replicas of natural phenomena.

Answer explanation

Models simplify complex processes, allowing scientists to test hypotheses and gather evidence in a controlled environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Landforms provide evidence about past geologic processes by:

• showing the effects of erosion and deposition

• indicating the presence of ancient civilizations

• demonstrating the impact of human activities

• revealing the current climate conditions

Answer explanation

Landforms remain long after the geologic processes that formed them have stopped, serving as evidence of those processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is a claim in scientific terms?

• A question about the natural world.

• A proposed answer to a question about the natural world.

• A piece of evidence.

• A type of landform.

Answer explanation

A claim is a statement or hypothesis that scientists aim to support or refute with evidence and reasoning.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What role does evidence play in a scientific argument?

• It proves the claim.

• It supports or refutes the claim.

• It is unnecessary.

• It replaces reasoning.

Answer explanation

Evidence is crucial in supporting or refuting a claim, providing the factual basis for scientific arguments.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is reasoning in a scientific argument?

• The process of making clear how evidence supports a claim.

• The evidence itself.

• The claim being made.

• An unrelated opinion.

Answer explanation

Reasoning connects the evidence to the claim, explaining why the evidence supports or refutes the claim.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

What conditions are necessary for a planet to be considered habitable?

• Oxygen and lava

• Water and an energy source

• Only land

• Only water

Answer explanation

Water and an energy source are essential for life, making a planet habitable. Oxygen is important but not the only requirement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is a channel in geological terms?

• A type of rock

• A long, narrow groove formed by flowing liquid

• A mountain

• A sand dune

Answer explanation

Channels are formed by the flow of water, lava, or other liquids, indicating past or present fluid activity.

What is the geosphere?

• The collection of gases surrounding a planet

• All the solid parts of a rocky planet

• All the liquid water and ice on a planet

• All the living things on a planet

Answer explanation

The geosphere includes all the solid, rocky parts of a planet, such as mountains, valleys, and the crust.