Natural Resources
Which of the following is a nonrenewable resource?
A. Solar energy
B. Wind energy
C. Natural gas
D. Biomass
C. Natural gas
Explanation: Natural gas forms over millions of years and cannot be replenished quickly—hence, nonrenewable. Solar, wind, and biomass are renewable.
Which statement best describes a mutation?
A. A choice to change traits
B. A change in DNA
C. Normal feature
D. Learned behavior
B. A change in DNA that may lead to a new trait
Explanation: A mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene
What is artificial selection?
A. Natural changes
B. Random breeding
C. Human-controlled breeding
D. Natural extinction
C. Human-controlled breeding to produce desired traits
Explanation: Humans breed organisms for specific traits (e.g., dog breeds, crops).
What is global warming mainly caused by?
A. Decreased solar activity
B. Volcanic eruptions
C. Greenhouse gases
D. Fewer forest fires
C. Increased greenhouse gases from human activities
Explanation: Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ and other gases that trap heat.
Which of the following is an electromagnetic wave?
A. Sound
B. Water
C. Light
D. Earthquake
C. Light waves
Explanation: Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation; sound and water waves are mechanical.
Which of the following is an example of a natural resource?
A. Plastic
B. Coal
C. Concrete
D. Glass
B. Coal
Explanation: Coal is mined from the Earth. Plastic, concrete, and glass are human-made.
Which of the following is a genetic trait?
A. Speaking English
B. Eye color
C. Favorite food
D. Style of clothing
B. Eye color
Explanation: Traits like eye color are inherited through genes; speaking English is learned.
A bird is born with a longer beak. How might this affect its survival and reproduction?
Sample Answer: The bird with the longer beak can better reach nectar and survive longer, leading to more offspring with that trait.
Explanation: Advantageous traits increase survival and get passed on.
A larger human population uses more water and energy. (True/False?)
True
Explanation: More people means higher demand for energy and water resources.
What type of wave is light?
A. Mechanical
B. Transverse EM wave
C. Longitudinal
D. Sound
B. Transverse electromagnetic wave
Explanation: Light oscillates perpendicular to its direction and doesn't need a medium.
What does “per capita consumption” mean?
A. Total use in a country
B. Resources each person uses on average
C. Money each person spends
D. Number of people in a city
B. The number of resources each person uses on average
Explanation: "Per capita" means "per person"—so this refers to average individual use.
Which of the following is an example of a beneficial mutation?
A. Causes disease
B. Has no effect
C. Helps fish blend in
D. Prevents reproduction
C. A mutation that helps a fish blend into its environment
Explanation: This helps survival through camouflage—beneficial mutations increase fitness.
What causes some traits to become more common in a population over time?
Natural selection
Explanation: Traits that help survival become more frequent as those organisms reproduce more.
How does human activity increase the greenhouse effect?
Sample Answer: Burning fossil fuels adds more greenhouse gases, which trap more heat in the atmosphere.
Explanation: Human activities like driving and industry emit CO₂ and methane.
Using a diagram, draw arrows to show how light interacts with an object that is black.
Answer:
– Mirror: Reflects (arrow bounces off)
– Water: Bends (arrow refracts)
– Black cloth: Absorbs (arrow stops)
Explanation: Demonstrates reflection, refraction, and absorption.
Which statement best defines a resource?
A. Anything that cannot be reused
B. Product made by humans
C. natural or human-made material used to meet needs
D. Item with no impact
C. Natural or human-made material used to meet needs
Explanation: Resources include anything we use to fulfill our needs, whether natural or manufactured.
Explain how a mutation can change a trait in an organism and affect its survival in an environment with deep nectar flowers.
Sample Answer: The longer beak helps the bird access nectar better, increasing its chances of survival and reproduction.
Explanation: If the mutation helps the bird get food, it's more likely to survive and pass on the trait.
Explain how natural selection caused a population of green beetles to become brown over time.
Sample Answer: Brown beetles were less visible to predators. They survived and reproduced more, causing more brown beetles over time.
Explanation: This is classic natural selection based on survival advantage.
Sara went to the park, and she noticed that they were cutting down the trees to make space for a new slide. This made her sad cause she enjoyed watching the blue bird sing in the tree.
Which two Earth Systems are being affected. Explain.
Sample Answer:
– Atmosphere: Releases ash and gases.
– Biosphere: Kills plants/animals nearby.
– Hydrosphere: Affects water cycles and acidity of rain.
Explanation: Earth’s spheres are interconnected.
Predict what happens when light moves from air into glass.
Use a diagram to help you explain.
Answer: The light ray slows down and bends toward the normal line.
Explanation: Refraction occurs because glass is denser than air.
Name and explain two factors that can cause a population's growth rate to increase or decrease.
Example answer:
1. Birth rate – Higher birth rates increase population.
2. Immigration – Movement into an area can increase population.
Explanation: Growth is influenced by how many are born, enter, die, or leave an area.
How can a mutation become an adaptation in a population?
A. Environment causes spread
B. Trait helps survival
C. Always passed on
D. Population chooses
B. The mutated trait helps individuals survive and reproduce
Explanation: Adaptations spread when they offer advantages that help survival and reproduction.
How can natural selection lead to evolution in a population? Use evidence and reasoning.
Sample Answer: Over generations, individuals with beneficial traits survive and reproduce more. The trait becomes common, leading to evolutionary change.
Explanation: Evolution is long-term change in traits within a population.
Explain how a volcanic eruption (geosphere) can affect the atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere.
Answer: Accurately plot given data (Year vs. Population), use correct scale and labels.
Explanation: Demonstrates understanding of trends and data interpretation.
Describe what happens when light hits:
- transparent objects
- translucent objects
- opaque objects.
(choose any two)
Answer:
a) Transparent: Passes through clearly
b) Translucent: Partially passes through, scattering light
c) Opaque: Does not pass through
Explanation: Different materials allow different levels of light transmiss