K12 Unit 1 Test Review (Earth Science and Systems)

Which sphere of the Earth system includes all the water found on, under, and over the surface of the planet?

• Atmosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Geosphere

• Biosphere

Answer explanation

The hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and water vapor in the atmosphere. This makes it the correct choice for the sphere that includes all water on, under, and over the planet.

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What is the primary purpose of a topographic map for an earth scientist?

• To show the distribution of animal species

• To display elevation and landform features

• To measure atmospheric pressure

• To record ocean currents

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of a topographic map is to display elevation and landform features, which helps earth scientists understand terrain, landforms, and geological processes.

Which of the following best defines earth science?

• The study of living organisms and their environments

• The study of Earth’s structure, properties, processes, and history

• The study of chemical reactions

• The study of the universe beyond Earth

Answer explanation

Earth science encompasses the study of Earth's structure, properties, processes, and history, making it the best definition among the options. The other choices focus on biology, chemistry, or astronomy, which are not specific to Earth.

Which evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

• The presence of similar fossils on different continents

• The color of ocean water

• The amount of rainfall in a region

• The speed of wind currents

Answer explanation

The presence of similar fossils on different continents supports plate tectonics by indicating that these continents were once connected, allowing species to inhabit them before drifting apart.

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Which of the following is an example of how earth scientists use new information to explain how the Earth works?

• Using satellite data to monitor volcanic eruptions

• Reading ancient myths about earthquakes

• Guessing the age of rocks by their color

• Ignoring new data that contradicts old theories

Answer explanation

Using satellite data to monitor volcanic eruptions is a clear example of how earth scientists apply new information to understand Earth's processes, enhancing their ability to predict and respond to natural events.

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Which of the following is a feedback effect that can occur when deforestation changes Earth’s surface?

• Increased rainfall due to more trees

• Higher atmospheric carbon dioxide leading to climate warming

• Decreased volcanic activity

• More earthquakes

Answer explanation

Deforestation reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide, leading to higher atmospheric CO2 levels. This increase contributes to climate warming, making it the correct feedback effect.

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Explain how the movement of tectonic plates can lead to the formation of ocean-floor features.

• By causing the evaporation of ocean water

• By creating mid-ocean ridges and deep-sea trenches

• By increasing the salinity of the ocean

• By changing the color of the ocean

Answer explanation

The movement of tectonic plates creates mid-ocean ridges where plates diverge and deep-sea trenches where they converge, leading to various ocean-floor features. This process shapes the oceanic landscape significantly.

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Describe how the hydrosphere and atmosphere interact to influence weather patterns.

• The hydrosphere and atmosphere do not interact

• Water evaporates from the hydrosphere into the atmosphere, forming clouds and precipitation

• The hydrosphere only affects ocean currents, not weather

• The atmosphere only affects wind, not precipitation

Answer explanation

Water evaporates from the hydrosphere, rising into the atmosphere where it cools and condenses to form clouds. This process leads to precipitation, demonstrating the interaction between the hydrosphere and atmosphere in influencing weather patterns.

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A scientist finds a meteorite with a high concentration of certain isotopes. How could this evidence be used to construct an account of Earth’s early history?

• By comparing the isotopes to those found in ancient Earth rocks to estimate the age and origin of Earth’s materials

• By using the meteorite as a decoration

• By ignoring the meteorite’s composition

• By assuming all meteorites are the same age as Earth

Answer explanation

The correct choice involves comparing isotopes from the meteorite to those in ancient Earth rocks, which helps estimate the age and origin of Earth's materials, providing insights into its early history.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Evaluate the following claim: “The age of oceanic crust is younger near mid-ocean ridges and older farther away.” What evidence supports this claim?

• Rock samples show that the youngest rocks are found at mid-ocean ridges, and rocks get progressively older with distance from the ridge

• All oceanic crust is the same age everywhere

• The age of oceanic crust cannot be determined

• Oceanic crust is older near mid-ocean ridges

Answer explanation

The claim is supported by evidence that rock samples show the youngest rocks are at mid-ocean ridges, with older rocks found progressively farther away. This indicates the formation of new crust at the ridges.

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