Earth Science Benchmark #2 Review

Continental crust is thicker than oceanic crust. This is because continental crust is primarily composed of less dense granitic rocks, which are lighter and thicker compared to the denser basaltic rocks that make up oceanic crust. The granitic rocks in continental crust are also older and have undergone less subduction, allowing them to accumulate over time and build up a thicker layer. In contrast, oceanic crust is constantly being formed at mid-ocean ridges and being consumed at subduction zones, resulting in a thinner layer overall.

Nitrogen is the most common gas in the atmosphere, accounting for about 78% of the air we breathe. It is an essential component for all living organisms and plays a crucial role in various biological processes. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and methane are also present in the atmosphere but in much smaller quantities compared to nitrogen.

The prefix "sub-" means "below" or "under". It indicates that something is situated or located beneath or at a lower level. In the context of the given options, "below" is the most appropriate meaning for the prefix "sub-".

The prefix "Atmo-" in this context means "air". This can be inferred from the given options, where "milli" and "arrangement" do not relate to the concept of air. The prefix "Atmo-" is commonly used in words like "atmosphere" or "atmospheric", which directly refer to the air surrounding the Earth. Therefore, the correct answer is "air".

The prefix "alt-" means high. This can be understood by looking at the provided options - "high," "low," and "below." The prefix "alt-" is commonly used to indicate something that is above or higher in position or value. Therefore, the correct answer is "high."

The ozone layer is beneficial to humans because it filters out incoming ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can be harmful to humans, causing skin cancer, cataracts, and weakening the immune system. The ozone layer acts as a shield, absorbing and blocking a significant portion of the UV radiation before it reaches the Earth's surface. This protection allows humans to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of excessive UV exposure and its associated health hazards.

Ozone is made up of three molecules of oxygen. Ozone is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms bonded together. This molecular structure gives ozone its unique properties and makes it an important component of the Earth's atmosphere, where it plays a crucial role in protecting life from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

The role an individual plays in life, which includes their specific position, function, and interactions within their environment, is referred to as their "niche". This term encompasses the unique set of resources utilized by the individual, their interactions with other species, and their overall contribution to the ecosystem they inhabit. A niche can be thought of as the specialized "job" or "role" an organism has within its habitat, allowing it to survive and reproduce successfully.

This scenario is an example of commensalism because the spider benefits from the azalea bush by having a good hunting ground and shelter from bad weather, while the azalea bush is unaffected by the presence of the spider. In commensalism, one organism benefits while the other is neither harmed nor benefited.

Flies, spiders, and their webs do not exhibit mutualism. Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from each other. In the case of pollination, plants benefit from the transfer of pollen by pollinators, while the pollinators benefit from the nectar or pollen they consume. Clown fish and sea anemone have a mutualistic relationship where the clown fish receives protection from predators by living among the anemone's tentacles, while the anemone benefits from the clown fish's cleaning and food-gathering activities. Hydra and algae also have a mutualistic relationship where the algae provide food through photosynthesis, and the hydra provides shelter and nutrients. However, flies, spiders, and their webs do not have a mutualistic relationship as the spider benefits from catching and consuming the flies, while the flies do not benefit from being caught.

An ecosystem refers to the interaction between a community of organisms and their physical environment, including both living and nonliving components. It encompasses the relationships and interdependencies among different species, as well as the flow of energy and matter within the system. Therefore, an ecosystem is the most appropriate term to describe the combination of a community and its physical environment.

The prefix/suffix/root "-sphere" means round.

The prefix/suffix/root "-ist" means "one that does". It is commonly used to form nouns that describe a person who performs a specific action or follows a certain belief or profession. For example, a "pianist" is someone who plays the piano, and a "scientist" is someone who studies science. The suffix "-ist" indicates that the person is actively engaged in the action or practice associated with the root word.

The prefix "helio-" and the suffix "helion-" both refer to the sun or gas. This can be seen in words like "heliosphere" (the region around the sun) and "helion" (a subatomic particle emitted during radioactive decay). Therefore, the correct answer is sun; gas.

The presence of the same kind of fossils on both sides of the Atlantic suggests that there was once a connection between the continents. This supports the theory of continental drift, as it indicates that the continents were once joined together and have since moved apart. Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and their distribution, which can help scientists understand the movement and changes in Earth's continents over time.

Tectonic plates consist of both continental and oceanic crust. Continental crust is the outer layer of the Earth's continents, while oceanic crust is the outer layer of the ocean floor. Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that float on the underlying semi-fluid asthenosphere. These plates are constantly moving and interacting with each other, causing earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The presence of both continental and oceanic crust in tectonic plates allows for the diverse geological processes and features observed on Earth's surface.

Plate tectonics is the correct answer because it refers to the scientific theory that explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small plates that move and interact with each other. These plates are constantly shifting and colliding, causing various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains. Plate tectonics is supported by evidence from geology, seismology, and paleontology, and it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamic nature of the Earth's surface.

Crop rotation is the practice of growing different types of crops in the same field in successive seasons. This helps to improve soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. By alternating crops, different plants with different nutrient requirements are grown, allowing the soil to replenish its nutrients naturally. This practice also helps to break pest and disease cycles, as different crops attract different pests and diseases. Overall, crop rotation is a sustainable farming technique that promotes soil health and increases crop yields.

The Richter Scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake. The magnitude refers to the amount of energy released by the earthquake at its source. It is a logarithmic scale, meaning that each whole number increase on the scale represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves. Therefore, the Richter Scale provides a quantitative measure of the size or strength of an earthquake, rather than the amount of damage done, the number of people who felt it, or the number of occurrences.

Plate tectonics, the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates, plays a crucial role in influencing various aspects of the Earth's surface. It not only affects the global distribution of natural resources, such as minerals and fossil fuels, but also determines the location of mountain chains through the collision and subduction of plates. Additionally, plate tectonics has a significant impact on the geographic distribution of animals over geologic time, as it can create barriers or facilitate migration routes. Therefore, all of the given answers apply to the influence of plate tectonics.

A Karst formation consists of irregular topography with sinkholes, sinks, and sinking streams caused by dissolution of limestone. This means that the land area has a unique and uneven surface with various depressions and holes formed due to the dissolution of limestone rock. These sinkholes and sinking streams are characteristic features of Karst formations and are formed as water erodes and dissolves the limestone over time. The irregular topography and presence of these sinkholes make Karst formations distinct and easily recognizable.

Liquefaction is a process in which stable soil loses its strength and stiffness and behaves like a liquid during an earthquake. This occurs when the shaking of the ground causes the water-saturated soil particles to lose contact with each other, resulting in a loss of strength and cohesion. Liquefaction can lead to the sinking or tilting of buildings, infrastructure damage, and even the formation of sinkholes. It is a significant hazard during earthquakes and can cause extensive damage to structures and infrastructure.

The movement of tectonic plates is caused by convection in the mantle. Convection occurs when heat from the Earth's core causes the mantle to heat up and become less dense. This hot, less dense material rises towards the surface, while cooler, denser material sinks back down. This circular movement of material creates convection currents, which in turn cause the tectonic plates to move.

The troposphere is the atmospheric layer closest to the ground. It is the layer where weather occurs and where most of Earth's air mass is located. This layer extends from the Earth's surface up to an average height of about 12 kilometers. It is characterized by decreasing temperature with increasing altitude and contains clouds, air pollutants, and the majority of Earth's weather phenomena. The other atmospheric layers, such as the stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere, are located above the troposphere.

Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere, making up about 78% of the air we breathe. Oxygen is the second most abundant gas, comprising around 21%. Carbon dioxide and water vapor are present in much smaller amounts.

Venus has an atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, causing a greenhouse effect that leads to extremely high temperatures on Venus. Therefore, it is expected to find extremely high temperatures on Venus due to its atmosphere composition.

A keystone species is a species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and functioning of an ecosystem. They have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance. Their presence or absence can have significant effects on the overall biodiversity and stability of the ecosystem. Keystone species often have a key role in regulating populations of other species, controlling the abundance of certain species, or influencing the physical environment. They are considered essential for the overall health and balance of the ecosystem.

When a plate sinks under another plate, it is called a subduction zone. In this type of boundary, one tectonic plate is forced beneath another plate, usually due to differences in density. This process occurs at convergent boundaries, where plates are moving towards each other. The subducting plate sinks into the mantle, creating a deep trench and often leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes. Subduction zones are important in the formation of mountain ranges and the recycling of Earth's crust.

The evidence of continental drift includes the fitting of South America and Africa, which suggests that they were once connected. Similar fossils found on different continents also support the idea of continental drift, as it indicates that these continents were once part of a single landmass. Additionally, the presence of the same rock layers on different continents further supports the theory of continental drift, as it suggests that these continents were once joined together. Therefore, all of the above options provide evidence for continental drift.

The theory of plate tectonics explains the movement and interaction of the Earth's lithospheric plates. Continental drift refers to the gradual movement of continents over time, while seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and spreads outwards. Both of these processes contribute to the overall theory of plate tectonics, as they explain how the Earth's surface is divided into distinct plates and how those plates move and interact with each other. Therefore, the correct answer is continental drift and seafloor spreading.

Oxygen makes up around 21% of our atmosphere. It is essential for the survival of most living organisms, as it is used in the process of respiration. Oxygen is produced by plants through photosynthesis and is also released into the atmosphere by certain bacteria. It plays a crucial role in the Earth's ecosystem and is necessary for the combustion of fuels.

Heat transfer by conduction occurs when heat is transferred through direct contact between two objects or substances. In the given options, the only example that involves direct contact is "A pan sitting on a hot burner." In this scenario, heat is transferred from the hot burner to the pan through direct contact, causing the pan to heat up. This is a clear example of conduction as heat is being conducted from one object to another.

Symbiosis refers to the close association between two different organisms, where both organisms benefit from the relationship. This can include mutualism, where both organisms benefit, commensalism, where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected, or parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. The term "living together in close union" suggests a mutually beneficial relationship, which aligns with the concept of symbiosis. Therefore, the correct answer is symbiosis.

Commensalism is a relationship between two species where one species benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped. In this type of relationship, the species that benefits often uses the other species for transportation, shelter, or obtaining food, without causing any harm or providing any benefit in return. This relationship is characterized by one-sided benefits, making commensalism the correct answer.

Limiting factors are factors in an ecosystem that restrict the growth or existence of certain populations. These factors can include availability of resources such as food, water, and shelter, as well as competition, predation, and disease. By limiting the population size, limiting factors help maintain balance in the ecosystem and prevent overpopulation. Abiotic factors, on the other hand, refer to non-living components of the ecosystem such as temperature, sunlight, and soil composition, which can also influence the growth and survival of populations. Independent variable is a term used in experimental design and does not directly relate to the question. Therefore, the correct answer is Limiting Factors.

An ecosystem refers to the interaction between a community of living organisms and their physical environment, including both living and nonliving components. It encompasses the relationships and interdependencies between plants, animals, microorganisms, and their surroundings. The term "population" refers to a group of individuals of the same species, "habitat" refers to the specific area where an organism lives, and "biome" refers to a large geographical area characterized by its distinct climate, vegetation, and wildlife. Therefore, the most suitable term for describing the relationship between a community and its physical environment is "ecosystem."

In commensalism, one species benefits while the other is unaffected or unharmed. This means that there is a positive outcome for one species without any negative consequences for the other species involved in the relationship.

The prefix "con-" typically means "together" or "with." It is commonly used to indicate a sense of unity, cooperation, or joint action. For example, in words like "connect" or "contribute," the prefix "con-" signifies bringing things or people together. Therefore, the correct answer is "together."

The prefix "hemi-" means half. It is derived from the Greek word "hēmi-" which also means half. This prefix is commonly used in words like hemisphere (half of a sphere), hemiplegia (paralysis affecting one side of the body), and hemicycle (a half circle). Therefore, when encountering the prefix "hemi-" in a word, it indicates that something is divided or consists of only half of the whole.

The hypothesis that all continents were created by the break-up of Pangaea is called continental drift. This theory suggests that the continents were once joined together in a single supercontinent and have since moved apart over time. This movement is believed to be driven by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. The concept of continental drift was first proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century and has since been supported by geological and paleontological evidence.

The Earth's crust is broken into pieces called plates. These plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. These plates are constantly moving and interacting with each other, which leads to various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The theory of plate tectonics explains how these plates move and how they are responsible for shaping the Earth's surface over millions of years.

When rock is subjected to great forces, it deforms and stores potential energy. This potential energy is released rapidly in the form of seismic waves during an earthquake. Elastic energy refers to the ability of a material to return to its original shape after being deformed. In the case of earthquakes, the stored elastic energy in the rock is released, causing the ground to shake. Therefore, the rapid release of elastic energy is the main cause of most earthquakes.

Shield volcanoes are produced by quiet eruptions of lava. This type of volcano is characterized by the gentle flow of basaltic lava, which spreads out in thin layers to form a broad, shield-like shape. The lava flows easily due to its low viscosity, allowing it to travel long distances before solidifying. These eruptions are not explosive and do not produce significant amounts of ash or cinders. Instead, the lava quietly pours out of the volcano and gradually builds up the shield-shaped mountain over time.

The correct answer is gravity, glaciers, wind, water. These four agents are responsible for the erosion of the Earth's surface. Gravity causes materials to move downhill, leading to erosion. Glaciers erode the land as they move, scraping and carrying away rocks and soil. Wind erosion occurs when strong winds pick up and carry particles of sand and dust, wearing away the surface. Water erosion is caused by the movement of water, such as rivers and waves, which can wear away rocks and soil over time.

Abrasion occurs when rocks bump and scrape against each other. This physical force causes the rocks to wear down and erode over time. The constant friction between the rocks leads to the removal of small particles, resulting in a smoother surface. This process is commonly observed in riverbeds, where the flowing water causes rocks to collide and rub against each other, gradually wearing them down.

Tension is the correct answer because stress that occurs when something is stretched is commonly referred to as tension. When a force is applied to an object in opposite directions, causing it to elongate or stretch, tension is generated within the object. This type of stress is often observed in materials such as ropes, cables, or springs when they are pulled or stretched.

The amount of time between the arrival of the P Waves and the arrival of the S Waves can be used to determine the distance the epicenter is from the seismograph. This is because P Waves travel faster than S Waves, so the longer the time gap between their arrivals, the farther away the epicenter is. By measuring this time gap, scientists can calculate the distance to the epicenter and locate the earthquake's origin.

The ocean crust is youngest at the mid-ocean ridges because this is where new crust is constantly being formed through volcanic activity. As tectonic plates move apart at these ridges, magma rises to the surface and solidifies, creating new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading. In contrast, the ocean crust near subduction zones is older because it is being pushed beneath a continent or another tectonic plate and eventually recycled back into the mantle. The oceanic plains and the areas adjacent to continents may contain older ocean crust, but it is not the youngest.

The lithosphere, which includes the Earth's crust and uppermost part of the mantle, moves slowly over the less rigid asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is a layer of the mantle that is partially molten and has the ability to flow. This movement of the lithosphere over the asthenosphere is known as plate tectonics and is responsible for the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Oxidation is not a type of mechanical weathering. Mechanical weathering refers to the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. Exfoliation, frost wedging, and salt-crystal growth are examples of mechanical weathering processes. Exfoliation occurs when outer layers of rocks peel away due to pressure release, frost wedging happens when water freezes and expands in cracks, and salt-crystal growth occurs when salt crystals form and expand in rock pores. On the other hand, oxidation is a type of chemical weathering where rocks react with oxygen, causing changes in their chemical composition.

If pesticides drastically reduced the number of caterpillars in this food chain, the population of the strangler fig would increase. This is because the caterpillar is a food source for the lizard, and with fewer caterpillars available, the lizard population would decrease. However, the strangler fig does not rely on the lizard for its survival, so its population would not be affected by the decrease in the lizard population.

Convection currents occur due to the difference in density between hot and cold substances. In this case, hot magma is less dense than cold magma, causing it to rise. As it rises, it is cooled and becomes more dense, leading it to sink again. This cycle of rising and sinking creates the convection currents.

The correct answer includes five examples of mass movements: avalanche, mudflow, creep, landslide, and slump. These examples represent different types of mass movements that occur in various geological settings. Avalanches are rapid downhill movements of snow, mudflows are fast-moving mixtures of water, rock, and soil, creep refers to the slow movement of soil and rock downhill, landslides are the sudden and rapid movement of a mass of rock, earth, or debris down a slope, and slumps are the downward movement of a block of material along a curved surface.

The correct answer is "subducting plate." In the diagram, the letter D is representing a plate that is moving beneath another plate, which is known as subduction. This process occurs at convergent plate boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another due to the difference in density. The subducting plate is typically denser and sinks into the mantle, causing various geological phenomena such as volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges.

The prefix "epi-" means "above" because it is derived from the Greek word meaning "upon" or "over." It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate something that is located or positioned above a certain structure or area. For example, "epidermis" refers to the outermost layer of the skin, which is situated above the dermis. Therefore, "above" is the correct meaning of the prefix "epi-".

The prefix "baro-" refers to pressure, while the root "bar-" refers to weight. Therefore, the meaning of the prefix/suffix/root "Bar-; baro-" is pressure and weight.

The prefix "iso-" means "same; equal". This can be seen in words like "isometric" (having equal dimensions) and "isothermal" (having equal temperature). The prefix indicates that something is identical or equivalent in some way.

A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area. However, when we consider all the populations of different species living in a particular area and interacting with each other, it forms a community. Therefore, the correct answer is community.

When two species occupy the same niche in a community and resources are scarce, competitive exclusion occurs. This is because both species are competing for the same limited resources, such as food, water, or shelter. As a result, one species will outcompete the other and have better access to the resources, leading to the exclusion or elimination of the weaker species from the community. This process ensures that each species in the community has its own unique niche and reduces competition for resources.

In a typical food chain, only about 10% of the energy is passed on to the next trophic level. This is due to the inefficiency of energy transfer as energy is lost through various processes such as respiration, heat production, and waste elimination. The remaining 90% of energy is used by the organisms at each trophic level for their own survival and metabolic activities. Therefore, the 10% energy transfer is a fundamental concept in understanding the flow of energy through ecosystems and the limited amount of energy available to support higher trophic levels.

The FIRST trophic level refers to all producers. Producers are organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They convert sunlight or inorganic compounds into organic matter, which serves as a source of energy for other organisms in the ecosystem. This includes plants, algae, and some bacteria. The first trophic level is the base of the food chain, as all other organisms depend on the energy and nutrients provided by producers.

An ecologist might be able to study primary succession in all of the given locations. Primary succession refers to the process of ecological colonization and development in an area that is devoid of any vegetation or life. In the case of a new island formed by a volcanic eruption, the ecologist can observe how the first plants and organisms colonize the barren land. Similarly, in a gravel-filled valley that was previously covered by a glacier, the ecologist can study the gradual colonization and establishment of plant and animal species. Lastly, on a huge boulder or rock layer on top of a mountain, the ecologist can investigate how organisms adapt and thrive in such extreme conditions.

The prefix "astro-" is derived from the Greek word "astron" which means "star" or "heaven". It is commonly used in words related to celestial bodies or phenomena such as astronomy, astrology, astronaut, etc. Therefore, the correct answer is "star; heavens".

The prefix "Meteor-" in this context refers to something that is high in the air. This can be inferred from the fact that meteors are objects that enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up due to the friction caused by the air. Therefore, the correct answer is "high in air".

Tectonic plates are large pieces of lithosphere that move on top of the asthenosphere. These plates are responsible for the movement and interaction of Earth's surface, leading to various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains. The term "mantle pieces" is not accurate as the lithosphere is composed of both the crust and uppermost mantle. "Crust plates" and "puzzle pieces" are not correct terms commonly used in geology to describe these large lithospheric plates.

A continental plate sinking under an oceanic plate is not possible because oceanic plates are denser and heavier than continental plates. The denser oceanic plate will always sink beneath the less dense continental plate in a process called subduction. This is due to the principle of isostasy, where denser materials sink and less dense materials rise. Therefore, it is not possible for a continental plate to sink under an oceanic plate.

The use of drip irrigation allows for more precise watering of the land, reducing water waste and improving water efficiency in agriculture. Constructing pipelines to carry water from inland and urban reservoirs helps in utilizing water resources more effectively and reduces the reliance on fresh water sources such as rivers and lakes. These practices can contribute to improving the sustainability of agricultural farming practices by conserving water and minimizing the negative impact on local streams and groundwater systems.

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock particles are moved from one place to another. Weathering refers to the breaking down of rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface. The force of gravity plays a role in erosion by causing the movement of particles downhill. Wind erosion occurs when the force of wind carries away particles of soil and rock. Therefore, the correct answer is "weathering, the force of gravity and wind."

A rift valley is formed when two continental plates pull apart. This process is known as continental rifting. As the plates separate, magma rises to the surface, creating new crust and causing the land between the plates to sink and form a valley. This is a common geological feature found in regions such as the East African Rift Valley.

Wind is not an agent of chemical weathering because it does not directly participate in chemical reactions that break down rocks or minerals. While wind can contribute to physical weathering by carrying and transporting particles that can abrade surfaces, it does not chemically react with the minerals or rocks themselves. In contrast, water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide can all participate in chemical reactions that cause weathering, such as oxidation, dissolution, or carbonation.

The correct answer is a broad, flat, fertile area extending out from a stream's bank that may be covered with water. This explanation aligns with the definition of a flood plain, which is a low-lying area adjacent to a river or stream that is prone to flooding. Flood plains are typically flat and fertile due to the deposition of sediment carried by the flowing water during floods. They serve as natural reservoirs for floodwaters, helping to reduce the impact of flooding on surrounding areas.

Some farming and ranching practices increase soil erosion by clearing plants or allowing animals to overgraze, which destroys the groundcover. When plants are removed or overgrazed, there is no longer enough vegetation to protect the soil from the impact of raindrops and the flow of water. As a result, the soil becomes more susceptible to erosion, leading to the loss of fertile topsoil and degradation of the land.

The prefix/suffix/root "in; ir; im-" in this context means "not; without". It indicates the negation or absence of something.

A lichen is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. In this relationship, both organisms benefit from each other's presence. The fungus provides a protected environment and absorbs water and nutrients for the alga, while the alga provides food through photosynthesis. This mutualistic relationship ensures the survival and success of both organisms.

The correct answer is the distribution of plant species in communities is not affected by the distribution of animals. This statement is incorrect because the distribution of plant species in communities is often influenced by the distribution and interactions of animals. Animals can disperse plant seeds, pollinate flowers, and contribute to nutrient cycling, which can all affect the distribution and abundance of plant species within a community.

Habitat refers to the physical place where an organism lives. It includes the specific environment, such as a forest, desert, or ocean, where an organism can find the necessary resources and conditions for survival. Population refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area. Community refers to all the populations of different species living in the same area. Environment is a broader term that encompasses both living and non-living factors that surround an organism.

In both parasitism and predation, one organism benefits while the other is harmed. In parasitism, the parasite benefits by obtaining nutrients or resources from the host, while the host is harmed. Similarly, in predation, the predator benefits by consuming the prey for sustenance, while the prey is harmed or killed in the process. This characteristic of one organism benefiting and the other being harmed is what makes parasitism and predation similar.

The prefix "Deci-" means "1/10". It is derived from the Latin word "decimus" which means "tenth". This prefix is commonly used in the metric system to denote a factor of one-tenth. For example, "decimeter" refers to one-tenth of a meter, and "deciliter" refers to one-tenth of a liter. Therefore, the correct answer is 1/10.

A break in the Earth's crust where rocks have slipped past each other is referred to as a fault. Faults occur due to the tectonic forces that cause the Earth's crust to move and shift. When the rocks on either side of a fault line move in opposite directions, it creates a fracture in the crust. These fractures can be small or large, and they play a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface. Faults are responsible for earthquakes, as the sudden release of energy when the rocks slip past each other causes seismic activity.

The East African Rift Valley is an example of a divergent plate boundary on continental lithosphere. Divergent plate boundaries occur when two tectonic plates move away from each other. In the case of the East African Rift Valley, the African Plate is splitting apart, creating a rift valley. This process is causing the formation of new crust and the eventual separation of the African Plate into two separate plates. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East Pacific Rise are examples of divergent plate boundaries on oceanic lithosphere, while the Andes Mountains are formed by a convergent plate boundary.

A seismograph is an instrument that records earthquake waves. It consists of a pendulum or a weight suspended from a frame that remains stationary during an earthquake while the ground moves. As the ground shakes, the suspended mass remains relatively still, and the frame records the movement on a rotating drum or a graph paper. This recorded information is called a seismogram, which provides valuable data about the magnitude, location, and characteristics of an earthquake. The Richter scale is a measurement scale used to quantify the magnitude of an earthquake, while a barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure and is not related to earthquake waves.

Subduction is the process in which one tectonic plate slides beneath another plate. In this case, the correct answer states that an oceanic plate slides below a continental plate. This is a common occurrence at convergent plate boundaries, where the denser oceanic plate sinks into the mantle beneath the less dense continental plate. Subduction zones are known for their associated volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges.

The letter C in the diagram represents a mid-ocean ridge. A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range that forms when tectonic plates pull apart, allowing magma to rise from the mantle and create new oceanic crust. This process is known as sea floor spreading. The mid-ocean ridge is characterized by volcanic activity and the formation of new oceanic crust, making it the correct answer in this case.

An aquitard is a layer of rock or sediment that restricts the flow of water between aquifers. It acts as a barrier, isolating a confined aquifer and preventing the movement of water. This layer is not completely impermeable, but it significantly slows down the movement of water, making it an effective boundary for a confined aquifer.

Hot spots are areas in the mantle where there is an upwelling of hot magma from deep within the Earth. These hot spots are stationary for long periods of time, unlike other geological features such as seafloor spreading or the Coriolis Effect. The high temperature plumes of magma rise towards the surface, creating volcanic activity. Hot spots are responsible for the formation of volcanic chains, such as the Hawaiian Islands, and can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of Earth's interior.

The organisms wheat, mouse, snake, and owl belong to the same food chain because they form a linear sequence of energy transfer. The wheat is a producer, the mouse is a primary consumer that eats the wheat, the snake is a secondary consumer that preys on the mouse, and the owl is a tertiary consumer that feeds on the snake. This sequence represents the flow of energy and nutrients from one organism to another in a food chain.

The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This trapped heat warms the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. The correct answer accurately describes this process, stating that the warming occurs when greenhouse gases absorb and reradiate infrared radiation.

The correct answer is "land area drained by a stream system". This means that a watershed refers to the area of land where all the water from rainfall and snowmelt flows into a common stream or river. It includes all the land, hills, and valleys that contribute water to a specific water body. The concept of a watershed is important in understanding the flow of water, pollution, and managing water resources.

The prefix "kilo-" in this context means 1000. It is a metric prefix used to denote a factor of 1000. For example, kilogram means 1000 grams, kilometer means 1000 meters, and kilowatt means 1000 watts. Therefore, when the prefix "kilo-" is added to a unit of measurement, it indicates a value that is 1000 times larger than the base unit.

A hot spot is an area with high volcanic activity that is not along a plate boundary. It occurs when a mantle plume rises from deep within the Earth, creating a hotspot of intense heat and volcanic activity. This volcanic activity forms a chain of volcanic islands or seamounts as the tectonic plate moves over the stationary hotspot. Examples of hotspots include the Hawaiian Islands and Yellowstone National Park.

P Waves, also known as primary waves, are the fastest type of seismic waves. They can travel through solid, liquid, and gas, and have a push-pull motion. This allows them to move through the Earth's interior quickly, reaching their destination before other types of waves. S Waves, also known as secondary waves, are slower and can only travel through solids. Surface waves, on the other hand, are the slowest and only travel along the Earth's surface. Therefore, P Waves move the fastest compared to the other options given.

The continental drift hypothesis was rejected primarily because Alfred Wegener could not identify a mechanism capable of moving continents. This means that he was unable to provide a plausible explanation for how continents could move over time, which was a major limitation of his theory. Without a mechanism to support his hypothesis, it was difficult for other scientists to accept the idea of continental drift. The other options, such as not being able to disprove competing theories or find geologic similarities, may have also played a role in the rejection of the hypothesis, but the lack of a mechanism was the primary reason.

Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust because it is composed mainly of basalt, which has a higher density compared to the granite and sedimentary rocks that make up continental crust. The denser oceanic crust also tends to sink beneath the less dense continental crust at subduction zones, forming deep ocean trenches. This density difference is a key factor in plate tectonics and the formation of various geological features on Earth's surface.

As you go higher in the troposphere, the temperature decreases. This is because the troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere and is in direct contact with the Earth's surface. The Sun's heat warms the surface, and then the warm air rises, causing the temperature to decrease with altitude. This temperature change is known as the lapse rate and is a characteristic feature of the troposphere.

The relationship described in the passage is mutualism. Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from each other. In this case, the birds guide the humans to the beehives, allowing them to obtain honey. In return, the birds are able to feast on the honey and bees as well. Both the birds and the humans benefit from this interaction, making it a mutualistic relationship.

Compression is the correct answer because stress that occurs when something is squeezed or pressed together is referred to as compression. This type of stress causes objects to become shorter or more compact. Tension, on the other hand, is the stress that occurs when something is pulled or stretched apart. Convergent and divergent are terms used in geology to describe the movement of tectonic plates, and are not directly related to stress caused by squeezing.

Continental crust is thicker and lighter than oceanic crust because it is composed mainly of less dense granite rocks, whereas oceanic crust is made up of denser basaltic rocks. The lighter continental crust floats on top of the denser oceanic crust, creating the distinction in thickness and density between the two.

Contour plowing involves plowing soil in curved bands that follow the shape of the land. This technique helps to prevent soil erosion by preventing water from flowing directly down slopes. By plowing along the contours, the soil is better able to retain water and nutrients, reducing the risk of runoff and soil loss. Contour plowing is an effective method for maintaining soil health and preventing erosion, making it the correct answer in this case.