1.
Where is the Earth located in the Solar System?
Correct Answer
B. It's the third planet from the Sun.
Explanation
The Earth is located in the Solar System as the third planet from the Sun. This is a well-known fact in astronomy. The order of the planets from the Sun is Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and so on. The Earth's position as the third planet is significant as it is the only known planet to support life.
2.
How old is the Earth?
Correct Answer
C. 4.5 billion years old.
Explanation
The correct answer is 4.5 billion years old. This age is determined through various scientific methods, such as radiometric dating of rocks and minerals. By analyzing the decay of radioactive isotopes, scientists can estimate the age of the Earth and its geological formations. This age is consistent with the age of the oldest rocks found on Earth and is supported by evidence from meteorites and moon rocks.
3.
Which is the name of the largest ocean on Earth?
Correct Answer
A. The Pacific Ocean
Explanation
The Pacific Ocean is the correct answer because it is the largest ocean on Earth. It covers an area of about 63 million square miles, which is larger than the combined area of all the other oceans combined. It stretches from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, and is bordered by the continents of Asia and Australia in the west and the Americas in the east. The Pacific Ocean is known for its vastness and its numerous islands, including Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands.
4.
Which is hotter?
Correct Answer
A. The center of the Earth
Explanation
The center of the Earth is hotter than the surface of the sun or the surface of the Earth. This is because the Earth's core is made up of molten iron and nickel, which generate intense heat due to the immense pressure and radioactive decay. The temperature at the Earth's core is estimated to be around 5700 degrees Celsius, whereas the surface of the sun has an average temperature of about 5500 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the center of the Earth is the hottest among the given options.
5.
The Great Barrier Reef is found off the coast of which country?
Correct Answer
A. Austrailia
Explanation
The Great Barrier Reef is found off the coast of Australia. It is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world, stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the northeastern coast of Australia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, fish, turtles, dolphins, and sharks. The reef is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year.
6.
How long does it take the Earth to orbit the sun?
Correct Answer
B. 365 1/4 days
Explanation
The correct answer is 365 1/4 days. This is because it takes the Earth approximately one year to complete one orbit around the sun. A year is defined as 365 days, but since the Earth's orbit is not exactly 365 days, we have a leap year every four years to account for the extra time. This extra time is approximately 1/4 of a day, hence the 365 1/4 days.
7.
Which is the fastest animal on land?
Correct Answer
B. The cheetah
Explanation
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 miles per hour in short bursts. Their slender body, long legs, and flexible spine allow them to achieve incredible acceleration and agility. With their specialized anatomy and hunting strategies, cheetahs are built for speed, making them the fastest animals on land.
8.
The Earth has plates, what are they called?
Correct Answer
C. Tectonic Plates
Explanation
Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them and are constantly moving. The movement of tectonic plates is responsible for various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains. Therefore, the correct answer is Tectonic Plates.
9.
What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered in water?
Correct Answer
C. 70
Explanation
70% of the Earth's surface is covered in water. This means that the majority of the Earth is made up of water bodies such as oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. The remaining 30% is occupied by landmasses. This high percentage of water coverage is essential for the existence of life on Earth as it provides habitats for various marine species, regulates the climate, and plays a crucial role in the water cycle.
10.
What is the deepest place in the ocean?
Correct Answer
B. The Mariana Trench
Explanation
The Mariana Trench is the correct answer because it is the deepest known part of the ocean. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it reaches a depth of about 36,070 feet (10,994 meters). The trench is formed by the subduction of the Pacific tectonic plate beneath the Philippine Sea plate, creating a deep depression in the Earth's crust. It is known for its extreme pressure, cold temperatures, and unique ecosystems that have adapted to survive in such extreme conditions.
11.
Where is the lowest point on land?
Correct Answer
A. The surface of the Dead Sea
Explanation
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on land because it is located at the Earth's lowest elevation on the surface. It sits at approximately 430 meters below sea level. The high salt content in the water makes it extremely dense, causing people to float effortlessly on its surface. This unique geographical feature makes the Dead Sea a popular tourist destination and a significant natural landmark.
12.
Roughly how often does lightning strike somewhere on Earth?
Correct Answer
B. 100 times per second
Explanation
Lightning is a common natural phenomenon that occurs frequently around the world. The answer "100 times per second" suggests that lightning strikes occur at an incredibly high frequency. This explanation implies that lightning strikes occur very frequently, happening hundreds of times every second across the Earth.
13.
The highest temperature ever measured on Earth was 134 degrees F (56.6 degrees C) on July 10, 1913. Where?
Correct Answer
C. Death Valley, California
Explanation
Death Valley, California is the correct answer because it holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth, which was 134 degrees F (56.6 degrees C) on July 10, 1913. This location is known for its extreme heat and arid desert climate, making it one of the hottest places on Earth.
14.
Name the three times periods of the dinosaurs.
Correct Answer
C. Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous
Explanation
The correct answer is Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous. These three time periods are known as the Mesozoic Era, during which dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The Triassic period occurred approximately 251 to 199 million years ago, followed by the Jurassic period from 199 to 145 million years ago, and finally the Cretaceous period from 145 to 66 million years ago. These periods are characterized by the evolution and diversification of dinosaurs, with each period having its own unique set of dinosaur species.