8th Grade Science STAAR Review!

How long does the Moon phase cycle last from one full moon to the next full moon?

• 27.3 days

• 29.5 days

• 30.0 days

• 28.0 days

Earth's ocean tides are caused by the _____________________.

• gravitational attraction of the moon and the Sun

• rotation of the Earth

• wind patterns across the ocean

• the Earth's distance from the Sun

The crust and the top of the mantle are called the _____________________________.

• lithosphere

• asthenosphere

• mesosphere

• hydrosphere

A scientist is attempting to classify a large object in space that is in orbit around Jupiter. The object is most likely a __________________.

• planet

• moon

• asteroid

• comet

Almost 600 years ago, European rabbits were introduced to the Canary Islands. Now, the Canary Island rabbits are so different in size, eye color, and ear shape that they are considered separate species. This is explained through ____________________________.

• adaptation

• mutation

• variation

• speciation

In the process of sea-floor spreading, the plates below an ocean basin pull apart and _________________________________.

• a new floor is created by magma that fills the rift.

• the ocean water rises to fill the gap.

• the tectonic plates shift horizontally.

• the ocean currents become stronger.

Waves need a medium to transmit their energy. Suppose you throw a stone into a pond. The stone causes a disturbance in the water that creates waves. What is the medium in this example?

• the water

• the air

• the stone

• the sound

All of the following are natural factors that can contribute to the extinction of a species, except _________________________________________.

• habitat destruction due to natural disasters

• climate change affecting food sources

• air pollution from burning of fossil fuels

• predation by invasive species

Marine fossils have been found in exposed rock layers in South Carolina. Which of the following is the best interpretation of this discovery?

• Parts of South Carolina were once covered by water.

• South Carolina has always been a dry land.

• Marine fossils indicate volcanic activity in the area.

• The fossils were brought to South Carolina by human activity.

Which statement best explains why the same side of the Moon always faces Earth?

• The moon revolves around Earth and rotates in about the same amount of time.

• The moon does not rotate as it revolves around Earth.

• The moon and Earth rotate in the same amount of time.

• The moon travels at a faster speed than Earth.