Review Assessment Life In Solar System
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following characteristics of Jupiter best explains why Jupiter does not support life, while Earth does? Jupiter -
- A.
Has four moons that orbit the planet.
- B.
Has virtually no water on the surface.
- C.
Rotates on its axis once every 10 hours.
- D.
Orbits the Sun once every 12 years
Correct Answer
B. Has virtually no water on the surface.Explanation
Jupiter does not support life because it has virtually no water on its surface. Water is essential for life as we know it, and the presence of liquid water is a key factor in determining a planet's habitability. Earth, on the other hand, has abundant water on its surface, which supports a wide range of life forms. The absence of water on Jupiter makes it inhospitable for life as we know it.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following characteristics of a planet will have the greatest influence on determining whether or not its temperature will be suitable to support life?
- A.
The amount of its gravitational force
- B.
The number and size of active volcanoes
- C.
The tilt of the axis of rotation of the planet
- D.
The distance from the Sun of its orbit
Correct Answer
D. The distance from the Sun of its orbitExplanation
The distance from the Sun of a planet's orbit will have the greatest influence on determining whether or not its temperature will be suitable to support life. This is because the distance from the Sun determines the amount of solar radiation the planet receives. If a planet is too close to the Sun, it will receive excessive heat and be too hot for life. On the other hand, if a planet is too far from the Sun, it will receive insufficient heat and be too cold for life. Therefore, the distance from the Sun is a crucial factor in determining a planet's temperature and its potential to support life.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following data could be collected about a planet in a distant planetary system, which might give scientists information about whether or not life exists on that planet?
- A.
The number of planets in the system.
- B.
The presence of a magnetosphere (magnetic field) to protect from cosmic radiation
- C.
How long the planet takes to rotate.
- D.
The orbit of the planet.
Correct Answer
B. The presence of a magnetosphere (magnetic field) to protect from cosmic radiationExplanation
The presence of a magnetosphere (magnetic field) is important for protecting a planet from cosmic radiation. Cosmic radiation can be harmful to life forms, so the presence of a magnetosphere suggests that the planet may have conditions suitable for supporting life. This is because a magnetosphere can deflect or absorb cosmic radiation, creating a protective barrier around the planet. Therefore, if scientists find evidence of a magnetosphere on a planet in a distant planetary system, it could indicate the potential for life to exist on that planet.Rate this question:
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- 4.
If Earth were much smaller than it is now, it would support life because it would not have enough mass to-
- A.
Collect needed radiant energy from the Sun.
- B.
Maintain a gravitational pull on the Moon.
- C.
Have sufficient gravity to hold the atmosphere.
- D.
Rotate on its axis once per day.
Correct Answer
C. Have sufficient gravity to hold the atmosphere.Explanation
If Earth were much smaller than it is now, it would not have enough mass to hold onto its atmosphere due to insufficient gravity. Gravity is what keeps the gases in the atmosphere from escaping into space. Without a sufficient gravitational pull, the atmosphere would gradually disperse, making it difficult for life to exist as the atmosphere provides essential elements and protects against harmful radiation. The other options, such as collecting radiant energy, maintaining a gravitational pull on the Moon, and rotating on its axis, are not directly related to the size of the Earth.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Ozone contributes to supporting life on earth by blocking -
- A.
Ultraviolet light
- B.
Water vapor
- C.
Helium ions
- D.
Atmospheric heat
Correct Answer
A. Ultraviolet lightExplanation
Ozone contributes to supporting life on earth by blocking ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is a type of radiation that can be harmful to living organisms. Ozone in the Earth's atmosphere acts as a protective layer, absorbing and filtering out most of the incoming ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This helps to prevent damage to DNA, reduces the risk of skin cancer, and protects the delicate ecosystems on land and in water. Without ozone, the harmful ultraviolet light would reach the Earth's surface in higher amounts, posing a threat to the survival and well-being of various forms of life.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following discoveries about Mars suggests conditions that may have once supported life? Mars has --
- A.
The tallest mountain in the solar system
- B.
Two moons orbiting the planet
- C.
Only a small amount of atmosphere
- D.
Small amounts of water in the soil
Correct Answer
D. Small amounts of water in the soilExplanation
The presence of small amounts of water in the soil suggests that Mars may have once had conditions that could support life. Water is a crucial component for life as we know it, and its presence on Mars indicates the possibility of habitable environments in the past. This discovery also opens up the potential for the existence of microbial life or the potential for future human exploration and colonization.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The habitable zone for the star in the diagram shown is between 200 and 250 million km away from the star. Which of the planets shown in the diagram can support life?
- A.
Planet W
- B.
Planet X
- C.
Planet Y
- D.
Planet Z
Correct Answer
C. Planet YExplanation
Planet Y can support life because it falls within the habitable zone of the star. Being located between 200 and 250 million km away from the star, it receives an optimal amount of heat and radiation to sustain liquid water on its surface, which is a key requirement for life as we know it.Rate this question:
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