Earth Science

Which of the following characteristics of Earth is most crucial for the existence of liquid water on its surface?

• The presence of a magnetic field.

• The Earth's distance from the Sun.

• The elliptical shape of Earth's orbit.

• The composition of the inner core.

The Earth's atmosphere contains a significant amount of oxygen and is protected from harmful solar radiation. What is the main reason this characteristic is essential for supporting life?

• It prevents the planet from being hit by large asteroids.

• It provides the gases necessary for respiration and photosynthesis and shields life from dangerous UV radiation.

• It traps heat to create an extreme greenhouse effect.

• It is the only source of water on the planet.

Which of the following best explains why Earth's tectonic activity is considered a characteristic that supports life?

• It creates volcanoes that release harmful gases into the atmosphere.

• It is the primary cause of climate change on Earth.

• It recycles carbon and other nutrients, and creates new landforms and habitats.

• It causes all the major earthquakes and tsunamis, which are essential for life.

Which statement best summarizes why Earth is uniquely capable of supporting diverse life forms compared to other terrestrial planets like Venus or Mars?

• Earth is the only terrestrial planet with an active core and plate tectonics.

• Earth's larger mass ensures it has stronger gravity than other planets.

• Earth possesses a unique combination of liquid water, a protective atmosphere, suitable temperature, and mechanisms for nutrient circulation.

• Earth's proximity to the sun ensures it receives maximum energy for life processes.

The presence of a stable, consistent energy source is vital for life on Earth. Which of the following best describes this energy source?

• Heat from the Earth's core.

• The Sun's radiation.

• Chemical energy from deep-sea vents.

• Energy from radioactive decay.

Which of the following is the best example of matter flowing between the geosphere and the hydrosphere?

• A bird flying through the air.

• Water evaporating from a lake.

• A volcano erupting, releasing gases and ash into the air.

• The dissolution of minerals from rocks into a river.

How does the biosphere interact with the atmosphere to regulate Earth's climate?

• The biosphere releases harmful gases that cause the greenhouse effect.

• Organisms in the biosphere consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

• Through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, which exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, affecting the composition of the atmosphere.

• The biosphere traps solar energy, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface.

The water cycle is a continuous process that involves the movement of water through different subsystems. When rainwater soaks into the ground to become groundwater, what two subsystems are interacting?

• The hydrosphere and the atmosphere.

• The geosphere and the hydrosphere.

• The atmosphere and the biosphere.

• The biosphere and the geosphere.

Which of the following physical properties of a mineral refers to its resistance to scratching?

• Luster

• Streak

• Hardness

• Cleavage

A geologist finds a mineral that has a very reflective, metallic appearance like silver. Which physical property is the geologist observing?

• Color

• Luster

• Fracture

• Crystal Habit