Earth
Scientists know Earth’s inner core is solid even though it is extremely hot. Which evidence best supports this conclusion?
A. The inner core contains lighter elements than the mantle
B. Seismic waves slow down when they reach the inner core
C. S-waves can travel through the inner core but not the outer core
D. The inner core is farther from Earth’s surface
C. S-waves can travel through the inner core but not the outer core
Why does Earth experience seasons?
A. Earth’s axis is tilted as it orbits the SunEarth is closer to the Sun in summer
B. Earth is closer to the Sun in summer
C. The Sun’s energy changes during the year
D. Earth rotates slower during winter
A. Earth’s axis is tilted as it orbits the SunEarth is closer to the Sun in summer
A muscle cell is part of muscle tissue, which is part of an organ. What is the correct order of biological organization from simplest to most complex?
A. Tissue → Cell → Organ → System
B. Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System
C. Organ → Tissue → Cell → Organ System
D. System → Organ → Tissue → Cell
B. Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System
Which process changes sediment into sedimentary rock?
A. Melting and cooling
B. Weathering and erosion
C. Heat and pressure
D. Compaction and cementation
D. Compaction and cementation
Which example best demonstrates an interaction between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere?
A. Lava cools after a volcanic eruption
B. Rain evaporates from the ocean’s surface
C. Plant roots break apart rocks
D. Sediment settles at the bottom of a rive
B. Rain evaporates from the ocean’s surface
How does the structure of Earth’s interior contribute to plate tectonics?
A. The solid inner core pulls tectonic plates toward it
B. The crust breaks because it is the hottest layer
C. Convection currents in the mantle cause plates to move
D. The outer core pushes magma directly through the crust
C. Convection currents in the mantle cause plates to move
Why do planets stay in orbit around the Sun instead of moving away into space?
A. Because the Sun is larger than all the planets
B. Because gravity pulls the planets toward the Sun
C. Because planets move in perfectly straight paths
D. Because space is filled with air that slows them down
B. Because gravity pulls the planets toward the Sun
Why is chlorophyll essential for photosynthesis?
A. It releases oxygen into the atmosphere
B. It absorbs light energy needed to make food
C. It removes carbon dioxide from the air
D. It breaks down glucose for energy
B. It absorbs light energy needed to make food
Which change is most likely to occur when sedimentary rock is exposed to great heat and pressure?
A. It melts into magma
B. It becomes a metamorphic rock
C. It breaks into sediments
D. It cools and hardens
B. It becomes a metamorphic rock
In which layer of the atmosphere does most weather occur?
A. Stratosphere
B. Mesosphere
C.Thermosphere
D. Troposphere
D. Troposphere
Which statement best explains why Earth’s outer core is liquid while the inner core is solid?
A. The outer core is cooler than the inner core
B. Pressure increases toward Earth’s center
C. The inner core contains water
D. The outer core is made only of rock
B. Pressure increases toward Earth’s center
An astronaut jumps on the Moon and rises much higher than when jumping on Earth. What is the best explanation?
A. The Moon has no atmosphere
B. The Moon is farther from the Sun
C. The Moon has weaker gravitational force
D. The astronaut’s suit is lighter on the Moon
C. The Moon has weaker gravitational force
How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration related?
A. Both processes store energy in glucose
B. Photosynthesis uses oxygen while respiration releases oxygen
C. Photosynthesis releases energy while respiration stores it
D. The products of one process are the reactants of the other
D. The products of one process are the reactants of the other
Which statement best explains why the rock cycle is described as a cycle rather than a sequence?
A. Rocks can change from one type to another in multiple ways
B. Each type of rock forms at the same time
C.Rocks can only change in one direction
D. All rocks eventually become igneous
A. Rocks can change from one type to another in multiple ways
Which situation shows the geosphere interacting with the biosphere?
A. Wind erodes rock surfaces
B. Plants grow roots into soil
C. Clouds form from water vapor
D. Rain falls into the ocean
B. Plants grow roots into soil
If Earth’s mantle were completely solid and rigid, what major change would most likely occur on Earth’s surface?
A. Volcanoes would increase in number
B. Earth’s magnetic field would become stronger
C. Tectonic plate movement would slow or stop
D. Earthquakes would become deeper
C. Tectonic plate movement would slow or stop
Which statement best explains why life exists on Earth but has not been confirmed on most other planets?
A. Earth is the only planet with gravity
B. Earth has liquid water and a protective atmosphere
C. Earth is the largest planet in the solar system
D. Earth receives the most sunlight
B. Earth has liquid water and a protective atmosphere
Which statement best explains why the circulatory and respiratory systems work together?
A. They control body movement
B. They regulate body temperature
C. They transport oxygen to cells and remove carbon dioxide
D. They protect the body from disease
C. They transport oxygen to cells and remove carbon dioxide
What role does weathering play in the rock cycle?
A. It melts rocks into magma
B. It increases pressure inside Earth
C. It cools lava quickly
D. It breaks rocks into smaller pieces
D. It breaks rocks into smaller pieces
How does Earth’s atmosphere help regulate global climate?
A. By reflecting all sunlight back into space
B. By trapping some heat and preventing extreme temperatures
C. By producing oxygen from nitrogen
D. By absorbing all ultraviolet radiation
B. By trapping some heat and preventing extreme temperatures
The mantle plays a key role in shaping Earth’s surface. Which explanation best describes how the mantle influences tectonic plate movement?
A. Heat from the mantle melts the crust, causing plates to sink
B. Convection currents in the mantle transfer heat and move plates above
C. Pressure in the mantle forces magma straight upward through plates
D. Mantle rocks pull plates toward Earth’s center due to gravity
B. Convection currents in the mantle transfer heat and move plates above
Which factor has the greatest effect on the strength of a planet’s gravitational pull on nearby objects?
A. The planet’s temperature
B. The planet’s distance from the Sun
C.The planet’s atmosphere
D. The planet’s mass
D. The planet’s mass
When a person sweats on a hot day, which life function is being demonstrated?
A. Growth
B. Regulation of internal conditions
C. Reproduction
D. Response to stimuli
B. Regulation of internal conditions
If magma cools slowly beneath Earth’s surface, what type of rock will form?
A. Sedimentary
B. Metamorphic
C. Extrusive igneous
D. Intrusive igneous
D. Intrusive igneous
Which human activity most directly affects the atmosphere?
A. Overfishing in oceans
B. Deforestation reducing oxygen production
C. Mining deep underground
D. Building dams in rivers
B. Deforestation reducing oxygen production