1.
The thin layer of water that covers most of Earth’s surface is called the
Correct Answer
D. Hydrosphere
Explanation
The hydrosphere refers to the thin layer of water that covers most of Earth's surface. This includes all forms of water, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and even water vapor in the atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, supporting various ecosystems, and providing water for human use. The other options, atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere, refer to different components of the Earth's system but do not specifically represent the layer of water covering the surface.
2.
In which type of rock are fossils generally found?
Correct Answer
B. Sedimentary
Explanation
Fossils are generally found in sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and consolidation of sediment, which often includes the remains of plants and animals. Over time, these remains can become preserved and fossilized within the layers of sedimentary rock. This is why sedimentary rocks are the most common type of rock where fossils are found.
3.
Which statement is true of all rocks?
Correct Answer
A. Rocks are composed of minerals.
Explanation
Rocks are composed of minerals because minerals are the building blocks of rocks. Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that have a specific chemical composition and crystal structure. When these minerals combine and solidify, they form rocks. Therefore, all rocks are composed of minerals, making this statement true.
4.
The diagram below shows three stages in the formation of a beach.
Which process is mostly responsible for the breaking down of the rock cliff into sand-sized sediment?
Correct Answer
D. Weathering
Explanation
Weathering is the process that is mostly responsible for the breaking down of the rock cliff into sand-sized sediment. Weathering refers to the physical or chemical breakdown of rocks and minerals at or near the Earth's surface. Over time, exposure to elements such as wind, water, and temperature changes causes the rocks to disintegrate into smaller particles, including sand-sized sediment. This process plays a significant role in the formation of beaches by gradually eroding the rock cliffs and depositing the resulting sediment along the shoreline.
5.
Base your answers to the following question on the diagram below, which shows a model of Earth’s interior.
What information did scientists study in order to develop this model?
Correct Answer
A. Recordings of earthquake waves
Explanation
Scientists studied recordings of earthquake waves in order to develop the model of Earth's interior. Earthquake waves provide valuable information about the different layers and structures within the Earth. By analyzing the speed, direction, and intensity of these waves as they travel through the Earth, scientists can infer the composition and density of the various layers. This allows them to create a model that accurately represents the internal structure of the Earth, including the core, mantle, and crust.
6.
The map below shows some geologic features located near the west coast of the United States.
The arrows on either side of the fault represent
Correct Answer
C. The relative movement of tectonic plates
Explanation
The map shows geologic features, which suggests that the arrows on either side of the fault represent something related to geology. The movement of air masses or volcanic eruptions would not be represented by arrows on a map. Rock formations could potentially be represented by arrows, but it is more likely that the arrows represent the movement of tectonic plates, as tectonic plates are known to cause faults and earthquakes. Therefore, the correct answer is the relative movement of tectonic plates.
7.
Which information would probably be most helpful to someone trying to identify a mineral sample?
Correct Answer
A. Hardness and streak of the sample
Explanation
To identify a mineral sample, the most helpful information would be its hardness and streak. Hardness is a measure of how resistant a mineral is to scratching, which can help narrow down the possibilities. Streak refers to the color of the powdered mineral, which can be different from its external color and can provide additional clues for identification. Color and size of the sample may vary widely within a mineral species, making them less reliable for identification. Location and mass may be useful for some specific cases, but they are generally less important in the initial identification process. Shape and texture can also vary widely and may not provide enough information to identify a mineral accurately.
8.
The diagram below shows a rock suspended above an overflow container filled with water up to the overflow spout. A graduated cylinder is positioned next to the container to collect water that comes out of the overflow spout
What physical property of the rock can be directly determined when the rock is placed in the overflow container?
Correct Answer
D. Volume
Explanation
When the rock is placed in the overflow container, the volume of the rock can be directly determined. The volume refers to the amount of space that the rock occupies. By measuring the amount of water that overflows from the container into the graduated cylinder, we can determine the volume of the rock. The more water that overflows, the larger the volume of the rock. Therefore, the correct answer is volume.
9.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock and marble is a metamorphic rock. Even though limestone and marble have the same chemical makeup, they are classified as different rocks because they
Correct Answer
B. Formed by different methods
Explanation
Limestone and marble are classified as different rocks because they formed by different methods. Limestone is formed through the accumulation of sediment, such as shells and coral, over millions of years. On the other hand, marble is formed when limestone undergoes intense heat and pressure, causing the minerals to recrystallize and form a new rock. This process is known as metamorphism. Therefore, even though limestone and marble have the same chemical composition, their formation processes are distinct, leading to their classification as different types of rocks.
10.
Most of Earth’s major earthquakes are caused by
Correct Answer
D. Faulting of rock in Earth’s crust
Explanation
Earthquakes are caused by the faulting of rock in Earth's crust. Faulting occurs when there is a sudden release of energy along a fault line, resulting in the shaking of the Earth's surface. This release of energy can be caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which are large sections of the Earth's crust that are constantly moving. When these plates collide, slide past each other, or separate, it can cause stress to build up in the rocks along the fault line. Eventually, the stress becomes too great and the rocks break, causing an earthquake.
11.
The diagram below shows a method for determining a physical property of a mineral. The results are shown for two minerals, galena and calcite.
Which property of the galena and calcite is indicated by the color of the powder each leaves on the ceramic tile?
Correct Answer
C. Streak
Explanation
The color of the powder left on the ceramic tile indicates the property of streak. Streak is the color of the powdered form of a mineral when it is scraped across a rough surface. Different minerals have different streak colors, which can be used as an identification characteristic. In this case, the diagram shows that galena leaves a dark streak, while calcite leaves a white streak, suggesting that the property being indicated is the streak.
12.
The diagram below shows two locations where fossils of Mesosaurus have been found. Mesosaurus was a freshwater reptile that existed on Earth about 250 million years ago.
Which statement best explains why these freshwater Mesosaurus fossils are found today in some rock layers in both South America and Africa?
Correct Answer
A. The continents were once connected as a single landmass.
Explanation
The statement that best explains why these freshwater Mesosaurus fossils are found today in some rock layers in both South America and Africa is that the continents were once connected as a single landmass. This is because the fossils of Mesosaurus are found in both locations, which suggests that these two continents were once joined together and shared the same freshwater environment where Mesosaurus lived. This supports the theory of continental drift, which states that the continents were once part of a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since moved apart.
13.
Convection currents, which may be the driving force for the movement of lithospheric plates, are mostly found in Earth's
Correct Answer
D. Plastic mantle
Explanation
Convection currents are mostly found in the plastic mantle. The plastic mantle is the layer of the Earth's interior that lies beneath the crust and extends to the outer core. It is composed of solid rock that can flow slowly over long periods of time. Convection currents occur when heat from the Earth's core causes the rock in the mantle to heat up and rise, then cool and sink back down. These currents can cause the movement of the lithospheric plates, which make up the Earth's crust.
14.
Which fossil is considered the oldest in the cross section shown?
Correct Answer
D. Trilobites
Explanation
The correct answer is trilobites. Trilobites are considered the oldest fossils in the cross section shown. Trilobites were marine arthropods that lived during the Paleozoic Era, between 540 and 250 million years ago. They were one of the most diverse and abundant groups of organisms during that time, with a wide range of sizes and shapes. The presence of trilobite fossils in the cross section suggests that they existed before dinosaurs, armored fish, and early horses.
15.
The drawing below shows the original size and shape of a rock sample before it is thrown into a rapidly moving stream.
Which drawing best shows the actual size and shape the rock will have after being carried several hundred miles downstream and deposited?
Correct Answer
B.