PSSA Prep #8 (2018 Sampler)

A student applies identical forces to a block placed on three different surfaces. The student compares the acceleration of the block for each surface. Which inference about surface 1 is best supported by the results?

• It has the steepest downward tilt.

• It helps the block accelerate the greatest.

• It increases the effect of the force of gravity.

• It produces the greatest friction with the block.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is an unintended negative effect that long-term pesticide use can have on the targeted environment?

• The amount of food the pests need to survive will be reduced.

• The pests that survive can develop resistance to the pesticides.

• The number of animals that compete for resources with the pests can increase.

• The amount of pesticide needed to eliminate the pests will be reduced over time.

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During the Carboniferous period, which occurred about 300 million years ago, the oxygen content of Earth’s atmosphere was much higher than it is today. Which organisms were most likely responsible for the atmospheric conditions 300 million years ago?

• fungi

• plants

• land animals

• decomposer bacteria

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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Many bird species in Pennsylvania, such as the bluebird and golden-winged warbler, thrive in younger forests and open spaces. How would timber harvesting most likely affect the sustainability of these bird species?

• It would increase the number of favorable habitats.

• It would reduce the number of edible insect species.

• It would produce forests that contain mostly mature trees.

• It would remove debris that provides protection from predators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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A student designs an experiment to determine the spectrum of color produced by different light sources. Which variable should be held constant in the student’s experiment?

• the light source used

• the brightness of the spectrum

• the prism through which the light passes

• the colors produced by each light source

See attached image for question and answer choice options.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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See attached image for question and answer choice options.

• A

• B

• C

• D

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A student studied the concept of order in the human body. Which statement best summarizes how part of the human body is ordered?

• Cells are organized to form tissues.

• Tissues are organized to form cells

• Organ systems work together to form tissues.

• Tissues work together to form organ systems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

A biologist compares the behaviors of some fish that live in habitats with different amounts of salt. How do the behaviors shown most likely help these fish survive in their environments?

• by maintaining a water balance inside and outside their bodies

• by allowing them to conserve heat as water temperature changes

• by helping them adjust their mass to improve movement through water

• by providing energy to their body cells in water with low levels of oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which statement best explains why a food web more completely represents the flow of energy through an ecosystem than a food chain does?

• Most ecosystems have too many organisms to fit into a food chain.

• More energy flows through most ecosystems than a single food chain can show.

• Relationships between organisms usually change quickly enough to make food chains inaccurate.

• There are more relationships between organisms than can be shown in a single food chain.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3