Earth and Life Science: Earth Science

What is the primary reason Earth can support life while other planets in the solar system cannot?

• Earth has a thicker atmosphere than other planets.

• Earth is located in the Goldilocks Zone.

• Earth has more volcanoes than other planets.

• Earth rotates faster than other planets.

Which statement best explains why Venus has a very high surface temperature?

• Venus is closer to the sun than Earth.

• Venus has a lot of active volcanoes that produce a thick atmosphere.

• Venus has a slow rotation causing extreme temperatures.

• Venus has a thin atmosphere that cannot retain heat.

If a new planet is discovered in the Goldilocks Zone of a medium-mass star, what would be the most likely characteristic of this planet?

• It would have a very thin atmosphere.

• It would have liquid water on its surface.

• It would have extreme temperatures.

• It would be composed mainly of gases.

Why is the geosphere considered the largest sphere of Earth?

• It includes the atmosphere and hydrosphere.

• It extends from the crust to the center of the Earth.

• It is composed mainly of gases.

• It has the most diverse range of temperatures.

Which of the following best describes the role of cyanobacteria in the development of Earth's atmosphere?

• They were the first organisms to produce oxygen through photosynthesis.

• They contributed to the thickening of Earth's atmosphere.

• They caused the oxygen levels to rise to current levels.

• They were the first organisms to thrive in extreme environments.

What is a defining characteristic of a mineral?

• It is man-made.

• It is organic.

• It has a crystalline structure.

• It is liquid at room temperature.

Which statement best explains the difference between a mineral and a rock?

• Rocks are composed of one type of mineral.

• Minerals are the building blocks of rocks.

• Rocks have a crystalline structure.

• Minerals are man-made.

If you find a mineral that can be scratched by a coin but not by a fingernail, what is its likely hardness on the Mohs scale?

• 1 2.5

• 2.5 3.5

• 3.5 5.5

• 5.5 6.5

Why is streak considered a more diagnostic property than color for identifying minerals?

• Streak is always the same color as the mineral.

• Streak is the color of the mineral in powdered form and is less affected by impurities.

• Streak can be observed without any tools.

• Streak changes with the mineral's environment.

Which of the following best describes the role of the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron in silicate minerals?

• It is the fundamental building block of silicate minerals.

• It determines the mineral's color.

• It is responsible for the mineral's hardness.

• It makes the mineral magnetic.