Science Trivia Jeopardy

Biology

100

The percentage of human DNA that is identical to that of a chimpanzee.

What is humans and chimpanzees share approximately 98% of their DNA. 

200

This organelle is known as the "Powerhouse of the Cell". 

What is mitochondria? Mitochondria generates ATP, the energy currency of the cell.  

300

The largest organ in the human body. 

What is skin. The skin is the body's largest organ by surface area and weight. 

400

The symbiotic relationship that exists between fungi and algae in lichens. 

What is mutualism? Both organisms benefit; fungi provide structure while algae perform photosynthesis. 

500

The term for the process by which organisms better adapt to their environment, survive and reproduce. 

What is natural selection? Natural selection if a fundamental mechanism of evolution. 

Astronomy

100

These are the only two planets in our solar system without moons... A: Mercury & Venus, B: Venus & Mars, C: Uranus & Neptune, D: Neptune & Pluto

What is A: Mercury & Venus. As far as we know, Saturn has the most moons. Saturn has at least 25 satellites that measure at least 6 miles (10 kilometers) in diameter, and several smaller satellites. The largest of Saturn's satellites, Titan, has a diameter of about 3,200 miles (5,150 kilometers) -- larger than the planets Mercury and Pluto.

200

This year boasted the first woman in space... A: 1963, B: 1968, C: 1973, D: 1983

What is A. 1963. The first woman in space was Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova in Vostok 6 (U.S.S.R.).

300

The three main parts of a comet are the nucleus, the tail, and the _____. A: Zenith, B: Umbra, C: Radiant, D: Coma

What is D. Coma. The coma consists of gases and dust around the nucleus.

400

It is the term for the condition when three celestial bodies are arranged in a straight line... A: Occultation, B: Parallax, C: Syzygy, D: Triple Transit

What is C: Syzygy. Syzygy is the condition when three celestial bodies are arranged in a straight line--as, for example, when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned during solar and lunar eclipses.

500

The planets make up this percentage of the mass in our solar system... A: 0.0135 %, B: 0.135 %, C: 1.35 %, D: 13.5 %

What is B: 0.135 % of the mass in our solar system. The Sun dominates, accounting for 99.86 % of the entire solar system's mass.

Chemistry

100

The element that causes sterling silver not to be pure silver. 

What is copper? Sterling silver contains 7.5% copper. 

200

This chemical causes the burning sensation when eating chillies. 

What is capsaicin?

300

The temperature and pressure needed to convert graphite into a diamond. 

What is 3000 degrees C and 100,000 atmospheres? That's at least 20,000 times more pressure than the pressure inside the average bike tire. 

400

The scientific name of the material commonly called "fools gold". 

What is iron pyrite crystals? 

500

The only letter that does not appear in the periodic table. 

What is the letter J? 

Geology

100

This geologic formation may be found overhead if you are in a cave... A: stalactites B: stalagmites C: mightymites D: termites

What is A: stalactites. The ones growing downward are stalactites, the ones growing upward are stalagmites. Stalactites are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate and other minerals, which is precipitated from mineralized water solutions.

200

This type of water weighs the most... A: seawater B: distilled water C: tap water D: none - They all have the same weight.

What is A: sea water. It is loaded with mineral salts and weighs about a pound and a half more per cubic foot than fresh water at the same temperature.

300

This is the hardest naturally occurring substance... A: emerald B: tourmaline C: diamond D: corrundum

What is C: Diamond. Diamond is also one of the most valuable natural substances. Diamonds are crystals formed almost entirely of carbon. Because of its hardness, the diamond is the most enduring of all gemstones. They are among the most costly jewels in the world, partly because they are rare, Only four important diamond fields have been found - in Africa, South America, India, and the Soviet Union.

400

The largest hailstone recorded was closest to this object in diameter... A: basketball B: softball C: tennis ball D: golf ball

What is A: basketball. The largest hailstone ever recorded was 17.5 inches in diameter - bigger than a basketball.

500

The first Earth Day was celebrated in this year... A: 1950 B: 1960 C: 1970 D: 1980

What is C: 1970. The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and has been celebrated each year following on April 22nd. The original purpose of Earth Day was to inspire people to think and act more environmentally. Earth Day falls on or around the birthdays of several environmental spokespersons.