8.L.3.3

In an ecosystem, not all of the energy that is available is used by the organisms. Some energy becomes unavailable before it can be transferred to organisms in the next trophic level. How does the energy MOST likely become unavailable?

• The energy is dissipated as heat.

• The energy is stored as food.

• The energy is trapped in dead organisms.

• The energy is moved to another ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following remains constant in Earth’s carbon cycle?

• the total mass of available carbon

• the way organisms use carbon

• the physical state of carbon-containing molecules

• the molecule in which a particular carbon atom is found

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Which of the following sentences BEST explains what happens when puddles evaporate?

• The water changes from one form to another.

• The water absorbs into the ground.

• The particles of matter move more slowly.

• The particles of matter move closer together.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Which mechanism helps carbon to cycle from the atmosphere to living organisms?

• photosynthesis

• tissue decomposition

• cellular respiration

• transpiration

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Phosphorus is required for organisms to synthesize DNA and phospholipids. In an ecosystem, phosphorus is transferred into the soil by the weathering of rocks. Phosphorus is absorbed by plants, which are consumed by herbivores. Carnivores obtain phosphorus through the consumption of herbivores. Which is a process that transfers phosphorus between an abiotic system and a biotic system?

• a plant absorbing phosphorus from the soil

• an herbivore consuming a plant

• a carnivore consuming an herbivore

• weathering of rocks releases phosphorus into the soil

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The pie chart illustrates the proportions of various gases in the atmosphere of Earth. Three of the following gases are part of Wedge Z in the pie chart. Which gas is NOT a part of Wedge Z?

• nitrogen

• argon

• water vapor

• carbon dioxide

The diagram shows sediments collected over time. Over millions of years, pressure is MOST likely to turn sediments at location A into which material?

• petroleum

• uranium

• lava

• granite

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Mushrooms are classified as decomposers. What will MOST likely happen after decomposition?

• Matter will be used by producers.

• Scavengers will be consumed decomposers.

• Energy will be transferred to primary consumers.

• Decomposers will be broken down living organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Leaves fall from deciduous trees onto the forest floor. These leaves decay slowly and become part of the topsoil. Which change is MOST likely to have a positive impact on the nutrients available in the topsoil?

• an increase in the number of decomposers

• a decrease in temperature

• a decrease in biodiversity

• an increase in the number of predators

The range of temperatures found on Earth’s surface is unique among the planets in the solar system. How does this range of temperatures affect the water cycle on Earth?

• by allowing water to exist in three physical states on Earth’s surface

• by increasing the amount of all three phases of water on Earth’s surface

• by reducing the ability of liquid water to bond with other substances

• by decreasing the ability of liquid water to dissolve other substances

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4