1.
The construction of a new coal-burning power plant would have the greatest impact on which environmental issue?
Correct Answer
C. Production of acid rain
Explanation
The construction of a new coal-burning power plant would have the greatest impact on the production of acid rain. Coal-burning power plants release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which are major contributors to the formation of acid rain. Acid rain can have harmful effects on the environment, including damage to forests, lakes, and aquatic life. Therefore, the construction of a new coal-burning power plant would exacerbate the issue of acid rain.
2.
Virginia’s Great Dismal Swamp is largely a red maple forest. There used to be more bald cypress and white cedar trees in the area, but tree cutting and the prevention of natural forest fires have changed the balance of tree species. The balance has shifted because these actions have —
Correct Answer
D. Altered the pattern of succession in the swamp
Explanation
The statement mentions that tree cutting and the prevention of natural forest fires have changed the balance of tree species in Virginia's Great Dismal Swamp. These actions have altered the pattern of succession in the swamp. Succession refers to the process of how plant communities change over time. By cutting down trees and preventing fires, the natural progression of species in the swamp has been disrupted, leading to a shift in the balance of tree species. This explanation connects the actions mentioned in the statement to the alteration of succession in the swamp.
3.
This food chain can be found in the coastal waters of Virginia. The population of which organisms in the food chain would be the first to decline if commercial fishing over-harvested shrimp?
Correct Answer
B. Damsel fish
Explanation
If commercial fishing over-harvested shrimp in the coastal waters of Virginia, the population of zooplankton would be the first to decline in this food chain. Zooplankton are the primary consumers of algae, and shrimp are the primary consumers of zooplankton. Therefore, if shrimp populations decline due to overfishing, there would be less predation on zooplankton, leading to a decrease in their population. As a result, the population of damsel fish, which are the secondary consumers in this food chain, would also decline.
4.
In a scientific experiment, how many independent variables should be tested at the same time?
Correct Answer
B. One
Explanation
In a scientific experiment, it is recommended to test only one independent variable at a time. This allows researchers to accurately determine the cause and effect relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. By isolating one variable, any changes observed in the dependent variable can be attributed solely to the manipulated independent variable. Testing more than one independent variable simultaneously can lead to confusion and make it difficult to determine which variable is responsible for the observed outcomes. Therefore, the correct answer is one.
5.
Which phrase best describes biodiversity?
Correct Answer
D. The number of species in an ecosystem
Explanation
Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species present in an ecosystem. It is a measure of the richness and abundance of life forms within a given area. The phrase "the number of species in an ecosystem" accurately describes this concept as it highlights the importance of species diversity in assessing the level of biodiversity in an ecosystem.
6.
Chemosynthesis is the process in which organisms
Correct Answer
A. Form carbohydrates using chemicals
Explanation
Chemosynthesis is the process in which organisms form carbohydrates using chemicals. This means that instead of relying on sunlight like photosynthesis, these organisms are able to produce their own energy by converting inorganic substances into organic compounds, specifically carbohydrates. This process is commonly found in deep-sea ecosystems where sunlight is not available, and certain bacteria and archaea are able to utilize chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide or methane to produce energy-rich molecules.
7.
A bond that is formed when two atoms share electrons is called a ___.
Correct Answer
A. Covalent bond
Explanation
A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons. This type of bond occurs between nonmetal atoms and is characterized by the sharing of electron pairs between the atoms involved. Unlike ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, covalent bonds involve a mutual sharing of electrons, resulting in a stable bond between the atoms. Hydrogen bonds are a different type of bond that occur between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen. James bond is not a type of chemical bond, but a fictional character.
8.
The picture at the right is an example of a(n) ___.
Correct Answer
C. Atomic model
Explanation
The picture at the right is an example of an atomic model because it represents the arrangement of atoms in a molecule. Atomic models are used to visualize and understand the structure of molecules and how atoms are bonded together.
9.
Unlike a eukaryotic cell, a prokaryotic cell does not have ___.
Correct Answer
A. A nucleus
Explanation
A prokaryotic cell does not have a nucleus. Unlike eukaryotic cells, which have a well-defined nucleus that houses the genetic material, prokaryotic cells have their DNA scattered throughout the cytoplasm. This means that the genetic material of prokaryotic cells is not enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus. Instead, it is present in a region called the nucleoid.
10.
Which of the following is not a form of passive transport?
Correct Answer
C. Exocytosis
Explanation
Exocytosis is not a form of passive transport because it requires energy to move substances out of the cell. Passive transport, on the other hand, does not require energy and includes processes such as osmosis, diffusion, and facilitated diffusion. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane, while diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Facilitated diffusion involves the use of transport proteins to move molecules across the membrane.
11.
Which of the following is a form of active transport?
Correct Answer
B. Endocytosis
Explanation
Endocytosis is a form of active transport where cells engulf and take in large molecules or particles by forming a vesicle around them. This process requires energy and is used by cells to bring in substances that are too large or polar to pass through the cell membrane via diffusion or facilitated diffusion. Diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion are passive transport processes that do not require energy and involve the movement of molecules or ions across a membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.