Benchmark #4 Study Guide

RNA can replicate itself under certain circumstances, supporting the RNA World hypothesis.

• Self-replicating RNA supports the idea of RNA as a precursor to DNA.

• RNA is the primary genetic material in all living organisms.

• RNA cannot replicate itself without the help of DNA.

• The RNA World hypothesis suggests that DNA was the first genetic material.

Describe physical weathering.

• Process where rocks break down into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, primarily caused by external forces.

• Chemical alteration of minerals within rocks due to reactions with water and air.

• The movement of rocks and soil from one location to another by wind or water.

• The formation of new minerals through the cooling and solidification of magma.

Microbial life on early Earth played a crucial role in soil formation, paving the way for terrestrial plant evolution.

What concept does this process exemplify?

• Natural selection

• Symbiosis

• Coevolution

• Adaptation

Describe the theory of plate tectonics.

• It explains the formation of mountains and valleys.

• It describes the movement of tectonic plates causing geologic processes, such as continental drift, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

• It focuses solely on the behavior of ocean currents.

• It is a theory that only applies to the Earth's crust.

The theory of plate tectonics explains Earth's surface is divided into moving plates.

• Plate tectonics is fundamental to understanding geological processes.

• Plate tectonics is a theory that has been disproven.

• Plate tectonics only affects oceanic regions.

• Plate tectonics is unrelated to earthquakes.

Key role of photosynthetic protists in aquatic environments.

• They form the base of the aquatic food web.

• They are the primary consumers in the food chain.

• They decompose organic matter in the water.

• They provide shelter for aquatic animals.

Organism using hydrogen sulfide as energy source

• Chemoautotrophic

• Photoautotrophic

• Heterotrophic

• Chemolithotrophic

Name sources of emerging diseases.

• Pathogens that become resistant to antibiotics

• Viruses infecting humans with animals as vectors

• Bacteria that are eliminated by vaccines

• Viruses that do not change rapidly

The theory of evolution explains how living things and their environment affect one another.

• Evolution describes the interaction between organisms and their environment.

• Evolution is the process by which organisms adapt to their surroundings over time.

• Evolution is a theory that suggests all species are static and unchanging.

• Evolution refers to the study of fossils and ancient life forms.

Extinctions of many species drastically alter whole ecosystems.

• Ecosystem dynamics are significantly affected by species extinctions.

• Species extinctions have no impact on ecosystems.

• Ecosystems remain unchanged despite species loss.

• Only large species extinctions affect ecosystems.