TCAP 2

Fireflies are insects with a glowing light inside their bodies. A chemical reaction produces this light. The light helps fireflies in several ways. The list describes two ways the light helps fireflies.

A student claims that a firefly population experienced a change that made it impossible for the insects to flash their lights. Which of these changes would support the student’s claim?

• The population would increase, because predators could no longer see the fireflies to catch them as prey.

• The population would decrease, because the male fireflies could not attract mates without their lights.

• The population would increase, because more fireflies would move into the unlit area, thinking it was empty.

• The population would decrease, because prey for the fireflies would no longer be able to see their lights

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The graph shows the populations of two species over time. Species 2 is a parasite of Species 1. No other species is interacting with Species 1 or Species 2.

If the population of Species 1 decreased, what would most likely happen first to Species 2?

• Species 2 would increase in number

• Species 2 would decrease in number

• Species 2 would become extinct

• Species 2 would find a different host

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Engineers have designed a hydrogen fuel cell car which is powered by the energy that is released when hydrogen and oxygen combine. To do this, the car's engine transforms chemical energy into mechanical energy. The only substance released from these cars is water vapor. A student claims that cars powered by this type of fuel have an advantage over cars powered by gasoline.

Which statement supports the student's claim?

• Hydrogen fuel cell cars do not contribute to air pollution because their only exhaust is water.

• Hydrogen fuel cell cars do not require maintenance like gasoline powered cars do.

• Hydrogen fuel cell cars use non-renewable energy sources.

• Hydrogen fuel cell cars can be designed in a variety of shapes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

A seaside community decides to build a barrier to reduce erosion and other damage to the beach ecosystem. The barrier needs to be able to withstand harsh winter winds and strong spring storms. Winds in the area usually produce a force between 3 and 10 newtons. Community leaders evaluate their options based on the strength and the cost of each barrier material and how often each material will need to be repaired or replaced.

Which material will be the best choice for building the barrier?

• Natural Rock

• Wood

• Steel

• Concrete

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

The zebra mussel is an invasive species that impacts waterways by clogging pipes and competing with native mussels for resources. In 2014, a new program began to inform and educate fishermen on ways to prevent the spread of these mussels. The table shows the percentage of waterways that are impacted by the zebra mussels.

What has been the overall impact of the new program on the spread of zebra mussels?

• an increase in the number of zebra mussels along the waterways

• no effect because more time is needed to determine an outcome

• no change in the number of zebra mussels infecting the waterways

• a decrease in the number of zebra mussels along the waterways

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which of these best explains how frontal boundaries can lead to severe storms?

• Cold air flows down the side of a mountain away from the ocean

• Cold air remains over an ocean for an extended period of time

• Warm air is forced up rapidly by a cold air mass

• Warm air rises slowly over a cold air mass

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5