Quiz January 20 And 21
Short practice quiz for Science FCAT
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Every insect has:
- A.
Wings
- B.
16 legs
- C.
An external skeleton
- D.
A nose
Correct Answer
C. An external skeletonExplanation
The correct answer is "an external skeleton" because it is a characteristic that is common to all insects. Unlike other animals, insects have a hard outer covering called an exoskeleton, which provides support and protection for their bodies. This exoskeleton is made of a tough substance called chitin and serves as a framework for the insect's muscles and organs. It also helps prevent water loss and provides a barrier against predators. Therefore, all insects possess an external skeleton as a defining feature of their anatomy.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
The part of an experiment in which a scientist predicts what will occur is called the
- A.
Theory
- B.
Hypothesis
- C.
Observation
- D.
Abstract
Correct Answer
B. HypothesisExplanation
In an experiment, a hypothesis is the part where a scientist makes a prediction about what will occur. A hypothesis is an educated guess or a proposed explanation based on prior knowledge and observations. It serves as a starting point for the experiment and helps guide the scientist in designing and conducting the experiment to test the validity of the prediction. A hypothesis is a crucial step in the scientific method as it allows scientists to make predictions and draw conclusions based on evidence and data collected during the experiment.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Which of the following is responsible for the creation of fossil fuels?
- A.
Oil derricks
- B.
The decomposition of animals and plants
- C.
Supernovae
- D.
Oil-burning stoves
Correct Answer
B. The decomposition of animals and plantsExplanation
Fossil fuels are formed from the decomposition of animals and plants over millions of years. When these organisms die, they sink to the bottom of oceans or get buried under layers of sediment. Over time, the pressure and heat from the Earth's crust transform the organic matter into fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Oil derricks and oil-burning stoves are related to the extraction and usage of fossil fuels, but they are not responsible for their creation. Supernovae, on the other hand, are explosions of massive stars that produce heavy elements, but they are not directly involved in the formation of fossil fuels.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Which of the following is the smallest unit of measure?
- A.
Microliter
- B.
Megaliter
- C.
Deciliter
- D.
Milliliter
Correct Answer
A. MicroliterExplanation
The microliter is the smallest unit of measure among the options given. It is a metric unit of volume equal to one millionth of a liter. The megaliter is a million liters, the deciliter is one-tenth of a liter, and the milliliter is one-thousandth of a liter. Therefore, the microliter is the smallest unit of measure in this context.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Objects appear to be black when they:
- A.
Reflect all the rays of the color spectrum
- B.
Reflect some of the rays of the color spectrum
- C.
Absorb all of the rays of the color spectrum
- D.
Divert all of the rays of the color spectrum
Correct Answer
C. Absorb all of the rays of the color spectrumExplanation
Objects appear to be black when they absorb all of the rays of the color spectrum. When an object absorbs all the light that falls on it, none of the light is reflected back to our eyes. As a result, we perceive the object as black because there is no light reaching our eyes to create the sensation of color.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Which of the following is an example of a chemical reaction?
- A.
Water boiling
- B.
Iron rusting
- C.
Wax melting
- D.
Water freezing
Correct Answer
B. Iron rustingExplanation
Iron rusting is an example of a chemical reaction because it involves a chemical change. Rusting occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water or moisture, forming iron oxide. This process alters the chemical composition of the iron, resulting in the formation of a new substance.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Why does the moon shine at night?
- A.
It absorbs the light of the sun.
- B.
It is made up of burning gas.
- C.
It reflects the light of the sun.
- D.
It reflects light from the Earth
Correct Answer
C. It reflects the light of the sun.Explanation
The moon shines at night because it reflects the light of the sun. The moon does not emit its own light, but rather, it reflects the sunlight that falls on its surface. This reflection allows us to see the moon's illuminated surface from Earth, creating the appearance of moonlight.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Which cell part is known as the 'powerhouse' of the cell?
- A.
Mitochondria
- B.
Nucleus
- C.
Ribosomes
- D.
Protoplasm
Correct Answer
A. MitochondriaExplanation
The mitochondria is known as the 'powerhouse' of the cell because it is responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. This organelle has its own DNA and is involved in various metabolic processes, such as the breakdown of glucose to generate energy. Without mitochondria, cells would not have the necessary energy to carry out their functions, making it a vital component of cellular activity.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Engineers are designing a five-story parking garage in an area where seismic activity has been detected. They are planning to do tests to make sure the parking garage can withstand an earthquake. Which would be the most effective procedure for these tests?
- A.
Apply simulated earthquake forces to a scale model of the garage.
- B.
Apply simulated earthquake forces during construction of the garage.
- C.
Apply simulated earthquake forces to the entire garage once it has been built.
- D.
Apply simulated earthquake forces that were used on other garages built in the same area.
Correct Answer
A. Apply simulated earthquake forces to a scale model of the garage.Explanation
The most effective procedure for testing the parking garage's ability to withstand an earthquake would be to apply simulated earthquake forces to a scale model of the garage. This method allows engineers to study the structural response and potential weaknesses of the design in a controlled environment. By subjecting the scale model to simulated earthquake forces, engineers can identify any areas of concern and make necessary adjustments before constructing the actual garage. This approach ensures that the final structure will be able to withstand seismic activity and minimize the risk of damage or collapse.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Light travels at the speed of 300 000 kilometers per second (km/s). Which of these would light take the longest time to cross?
- A.
Galaxy
- B.
Nebula
- C.
Star system
- D.
Solar system
Correct Answer
A. GalaxyExplanation
Light travels at an incredibly fast speed of 300,000 kilometers per second. A galaxy is much larger than a nebula, star system, or solar system. Therefore, it would take light the longest time to cross a galaxy compared to the other options.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
Studies from 1830 indicate that a remote island chain in the Pacific Ocean had 13 separate species of finches. Each finch species had a distinctive beak shape that was specialized for eating a particular type of food. In spite of these differences, there were strong similarities shared by the finches. A scientist hypothesized that the 13 species of finches descended from a common ancestor. Which of the following factors produced variation in the finch species?
- A.
Mutation
- B.
Extinction
- C.
Overpopulation
- D.
Artificial selection
Correct Answer
A. MutationExplanation
The correct answer is mutation. Mutations are random changes in the genetic material of an organism. In this case, the finch species had different beak shapes specialized for eating different types of food. These differences in beak shape are likely the result of mutations in the genes responsible for beak development. Over time, these mutations accumulated and led to the formation of distinct finch species with specialized beak shapes.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
According to the plate tectonic theory, when oceanic plates collide with continental plates, the denser oceanic plate is forced under the lighter continental plate. Which geologic feature is a result of this type of collision?
- A.
Hot spot
- B.
Abyssal plain
- C.
Midocean ridge
- D.
Composite volcano
Correct Answer
D. Composite volcanoExplanation
When oceanic plates collide with continental plates, the denser oceanic plate is forced under the lighter continental plate. This process is known as subduction. As the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it creates intense heat and pressure. This leads to the melting of the plate, and the molten rock, or magma, rises to the surface. The magma then erupts through the Earth's crust, forming a composite volcano. Composite volcanoes are characterized by their steep slopes and explosive eruptions, which are a result of the viscous nature of the magma produced during subduction.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
Some thunderstorms are caused by convection resulting from the collision of two air masses. Which describes the collision involved in this type of thunderstorm?
- A.
Two cold fronts collide.
- B.
Two warm fronts collide.
- C.
A cold front moves into an area with warm air.
- D.
A warm front moves into an area with cold air.
Correct Answer
C. A cold front moves into an area with warm air.Explanation
In this type of thunderstorm, a cold front moves into an area with warm air. This collision between the cold front and the warm air mass causes the warm air to rise rapidly, leading to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and the development of thunderstorms. As the warm air is forced to rise, it cools and condenses, releasing latent heat energy which fuels the storm's updrafts and intensifies the thunderstorm activity. The collision of the cold front with the warm air mass creates instability in the atmosphere, providing the necessary conditions for thunderstorm development.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position relative to Earth’s surface. Which of the following involve the conversion of gravitational potential energy into electric energy?
- A.
Solar cell generators
- B.
Nuclear power plants
- C.
Wind electric generators
- D.
Hydroelectric power plants
Correct Answer
D. Hydroelectric power plantsExplanation
Hydroelectric power plants involve the conversion of gravitational potential energy into electric energy. In these plants, water stored at a higher elevation is allowed to fall and flow through turbines. As the water falls, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which is then used to turn the turbines and generate electricity. Therefore, hydroelectric power plants harness the gravitational potential energy of water to produce electric energy.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
In 1890, sixty European starlings (a species of bird) were introduced to New York City. There are now more than 200 million European starlings in North America. Which of the following is the most likely outcome of the increased population of European starlings?
- A.
Increased nonrenewable resources
- B.
Decrease in the number of native birds
- C.
Decrease in the number of predators of the birds
- D.
Increased food sources for the competing bird species
Correct Answer
B. Decrease in the number of native birdsExplanation
The most likely outcome of the increased population of European starlings is a decrease in the number of native birds. This is because European starlings are known to compete with native bird species for resources such as nesting sites and food. As the population of European starlings increases, they are likely to outcompete and displace native birds, leading to a decrease in their numbers.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
Most flower species reproduce sexually. A particular flower has a normal chromosome number of 38. The pollen grains of the flower contain sperm cells. During sexual reproduction, what is the number of chromosomes present in a sperm cell before the sperm cell joins an egg cell to form a zygote?
- A.
2
- B.
19
- C.
38
- D.
76
Correct Answer
B. 19Explanation
In sexual reproduction, a sperm cell contains half the number of chromosomes as the normal chromosome number of the organism. Since the normal chromosome number of the flower is 38, the sperm cell would have 19 chromosomes before it joins with an egg cell to form a zygote.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 20, 2011Quiz Created by
Sammacholl
Back to top