1.
The males of a bird species do a “dance” and “sing a song” each spring. What is the main purpose of these behaviors?
Correct Answer
D. To attract female birds
Explanation
The main purpose of the males of a bird species performing a "dance" and "singing a song" each spring is to attract female birds. These behaviors are a form of courtship display, where the males showcase their physical and vocal abilities to impress the females and increase their chances of mating.
2.
Which organism receives the least amount of energy from the producer?
Correct Answer
A. Whales
Explanation
Whales receive the least amount of energy from the producer because they are higher up in the food chain and consume larger organisms, such as herring, seals, and krill. As energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, there is a loss of energy, resulting in less energy available for higher-level consumers like whales.
3.
Which environmental concern is most associated with burning fossil fuels?
Correct Answer
A. Global climate change
Explanation
Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and contribute to global climate change, causing rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events. Therefore, global climate change is the environmental concern most associated with burning fossil fuels.
4.
A student hypothesizes that green algae will grow fastest when exposed to red light. To test this hypothesis, the student should design an experiment with which independent variable?
Correct Answer
D. Color of light
Explanation
The student should design an experiment with the independent variable of color of light because they want to test whether green algae will grow fastest when exposed to red light. By manipulating the color of light, the student can observe and measure the rate of algae growth under different light conditions to determine if the hypothesis is supported.
5.
A student hypothesizes that green algae will grow fastest when exposed to red light. To test this hypothesis, the student should design an experiment with which dependent variable?
Correct Answer
A. Rate of algae growth
Explanation
The student should design an experiment with the dependent variable being the rate of algae growth. This is because the student wants to test the hypothesis that green algae will grow fastest when exposed to red light. By measuring the rate of algae growth under different light conditions, the student can determine if the hypothesis is supported or not. The other options, such as color of algae, amount of time in light, and color of light, are not directly related to testing the hypothesis and would not provide evidence for or against it.
6.
A scientist develops a hypothesis, designs an experiment, and obtains data that support her hypothesis. Which of the following best describes when a hypothesis becomes a theory?
Correct Answer
A. When it is supported by data from many experimental trials
Explanation
When a hypothesis is supported by data from many experimental trials, it becomes a theory. This means that the hypothesis has been repeatedly tested and the results consistently support the original idea. The accumulation of evidence from multiple experiments strengthens the validity of the hypothesis and allows it to be elevated to the status of a theory.
7.
The picture sequence above illustrates _____.
Correct Answer
A. Primary succession
Explanation
The picture sequence above illustrates primary succession. Primary succession refers to the process of colonization and establishment of plant and animal life on bare, lifeless surfaces such as rocks or newly formed land. This process begins with pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, that gradually break down the surface and create soil. As the soil develops, more complex plant species can establish themselves, leading to a succession of different plant communities over time. This sequence of events is depicted in the given pictures, indicating the process of primary succession.
8.
Humans have had a tremendous impact on the environment. What has caused an increase in the amount of acid rain?
Correct Answer
C. Coal burning power plants
Explanation
Coal burning power plants release large amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These pollutants react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the ground as acid rain. This increase in acid rain is a result of the emissions from coal burning power plants, which contribute to air pollution and the acidification of precipitation.
9.
All of these are natural events that could alter an ecosystem EXCEPT —
Correct Answer
A. Burning of fossil fuels
Explanation
The burning of fossil fuels is not a natural event that could alter an ecosystem. It is a human activity that releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. The other options, floods, wildfires, and volcanic activity, are all natural events that can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
10.
The interaction pictured represents _____.
Correct Answer
C. Energy and nutrient transfer
Explanation
The interaction pictured represents energy and nutrient transfer. This can be inferred because energy and nutrients are being exchanged between the organisms in the picture.