1.
What is the basic cause of extinction of species over time?
Correct Answer
B. Climate change
Explanation
Climate change is the basic cause of extinction of species over time. This is because climate change alters the natural habitats and ecosystems that species rely on for survival. It disrupts the balance of temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors, making it difficult for species to adapt and survive. Climate change also leads to the loss of crucial resources like food and water, further endangering species. Additionally, it can cause extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, which can directly harm and destroy habitats. Overall, climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity and is a major driver of species extinction.
2.
According the paleontologists, which era of time is the oldest?
Correct Answer
B. Precambrian Era
Explanation
The Precambrian Era is considered the oldest era of time according to paleontologists. This era spans from the formation of the Earth, approximately 4.6 billion years ago, to the beginning of the Cambrian Period, around 541 million years ago. It is characterized by the absence of complex life forms and the dominance of single-celled organisms. The Precambrian Era is significant because it laid the foundation for the evolution and diversification of life on Earth.
3.
The appearance of the most complex and the greatest diversity of organisms occured during______
Correct Answer
B. Paleozoic Era
Explanation
The Paleozoic Era is known as the time when the most complex and diverse organisms appeared. This era, which lasted from about 541 to 252 million years ago, saw the emergence of various animal groups such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, and the first land plants. It was a period of rapid evolution and diversification of life forms, with the development of complex ecosystems and the colonization of land by organisms. The Paleozoic Era is often referred to as the "Age of Invertebrates" due to the abundance and diversity of marine invertebrates that existed during this time.
4.
The dominant life form during the Mesozoic Era was_____
Correct Answer
C. Reptiles
Explanation
During the Mesozoic Era, reptiles were the dominant life form. This era, also known as the Age of Reptiles, lasted for approximately 180 million years and was characterized by the presence of various reptilian species such as dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and marine reptiles. These reptiles occupied diverse ecological niches and thrived in different environments, ranging from land to sea. Their dominance was primarily due to their adaptability, evolutionary success, and ability to fill vacant ecological roles. Insects and humans, on the other hand, were not the dominant life forms during this era.
5.
Which of the following is not a valid experiment to test?
Correct Answer
B. How does a paper airplane fly?
Explanation
The question asks for a valid experiment to test, and the answer "How does a paper airplane fly?" is not a valid experiment. This is because it is a question about understanding a phenomenon rather than testing a hypothesis through experimentation. To conduct a valid experiment, there needs to be a specific independent variable that can be manipulated and a dependent variable that can be measured to determine the effect of the independent variable. In the case of "How does a paper airplane fly?", it is more of an inquiry into the principles and mechanics of flight rather than a testable experiment.
6.
Which is a quantatitve observation?
Correct Answer
B. None of the dinosaurs lived in the Holocene Epoch
Explanation
The statement "None of the dinosaurs lived in the Holocene Epoch" is a quantitative observation because it provides a specific and measurable piece of information. It states that there were no dinosaurs that existed during a specific geological time period, the Holocene Epoch. This observation can be tested and verified through scientific research and analysis of fossil records.
7.
Which of the following best explains why the beak shape of each species of bird develops differently?
Correct Answer
B. Each beak shape is an adaptation to a specific source of food
Explanation
Each beak shape is an adaptation to a specific source of food. This means that the shape of a bird's beak is determined by the type of food it eats. Different beak shapes allow birds to efficiently gather, catch, or consume their specific food sources. For example, a long, thin beak is ideal for probing into flowers to extract nectar, while a sharp, pointed beak is suited for capturing and tearing apart prey. This adaptation ensures that each bird species is well-equipped to obtain and consume its preferred food, increasing its chances of survival and reproduction.
8.
Five hundred flies of one species were sprayed with a new insecticide. Twenty-four hours later, nearly all the flies were dead. However, a few survived. Which principle best explains why some flies survived?
Correct Answer
B. Animals adapt to new environments
Explanation
The principle that best explains why some flies survived is that animals adapt to new environments. This means that the few flies that survived were able to adapt to the effects of the new insecticide and were able to survive its effects. This principle suggests that some individuals within a population may have genetic variations or traits that allow them to better tolerate or resist the insecticide, leading to their survival while others perished.
9.
What is the process by which better-suited organisms survive and reproduce?
Correct Answer
B. Adaptation
Explanation
Adaptation is the process by which better-suited organisms survive and reproduce. It refers to the ability of an organism to adjust to its environment in order to increase its chances of survival and reproduction. Through adaptation, organisms develop traits or behaviors that allow them to better compete for resources, avoid predators, or withstand environmental changes. Those organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on their advantageous traits to the next generation, leading to the evolution of species over time.
10.
Many populations of moth species use camouflage to avoid predators in order to survive and reproduce. What do you expect will happen to light colored moths landing on dark colored trees?
Correct Answer
B. Birds will see them and eat the light colored moths
Explanation
Light colored moths landing on dark colored trees will be easily visible to birds. Birds are more likely to see and eat the light colored moths because they stand out against the dark background of the tree. This is because the contrast between the moth and the tree makes them more noticeable to predators. Therefore, the light colored moths are at a higher risk of being eaten by birds compared to moths with better camouflage.
11.
What biological adaptation does a polar bear have to help him/her survive in their environment?
Correct Answer
B. Camouflage
Explanation
Polar bears have the biological adaptation of camouflage to help them survive in their environment. Their white fur blends in with the snow and ice, making it difficult for prey to spot them. This adaptation allows polar bears to effectively hunt and sneak up on their prey without being easily detected. It also helps them avoid predators and remain hidden from potential threats.
12.
A black lab, rottweiler, basset hound, and poodle show different_________ of the same creature.
Correct Answer
B. Variations
Explanation
The different breeds of dogs mentioned in the question represent variations of the same creature. Each breed has distinct characteristics and traits that set them apart from one another, such as size, appearance, and temperament. These variations occur within the same species, in this case, dogs.
13.
If a picture has Homo sapiens present, what era would be represented?
Correct Answer
B. Cenozoic
Explanation
The Cenozoic era is the correct answer because it is the era in which Homo sapiens, or modern humans, evolved and are present. The Cenozoic era began approximately 66 million years ago and is characterized by the diversification and dominance of mammals, including humans. This era is also known as the "Age of Mammals" and is the most recent era in the geologic time scale.
14.
Put the following units of time in order from the longest to shorted.
Correct Answer
C. Eons, eras, periods, epochs
Explanation
The correct order of the units of time from longest to shortest is eons, eras, periods, and epochs. Eons are the longest units of time, followed by eras, periods, and finally epochs.
15.
What events separates each era of geologic time?
Correct Answer
A. Mass extinctions of life
Explanation
Mass extinctions of life separate each era of geologic time. These catastrophic events cause the extinction of a large number of species, leading to significant changes in the Earth's ecosystems. As a result, new species evolve and dominate, marking the beginning of a new era. These mass extinctions provide clear boundaries and divisions in the geologic time scale, allowing scientists to categorize and study different periods in Earth's history.
16.
Which of the following is not a cause for natural extinctions on earth?
Correct Answer
B. Man destroying natural habitats
Explanation
Man destroying natural habitats is not a cause for natural extinctions on earth because it is a result of human activity and not a natural process. Natural extinctions occur due to various factors such as volcanic extinctions and meteorite impacts, which are natural events that have been happening throughout Earth's history. However, the destruction of natural habitats by humans can lead to the extinction of species, but it is considered a human-induced or anthropogenic cause rather than a natural cause.
17.
What is an organisms ability to change over time?
Correct Answer
A. Natural selection
Explanation
Natural selection is the process by which organisms adapt and change over time in response to their environment. It is a mechanism of evolution that favors traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction. Through natural selection, organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation, leading to the gradual accumulation of beneficial traits in a population over time. This process allows organisms to adapt and evolve in order to better suit their environment.