epanner/MNLP_M3_mcqa_dataset · Datasets at Hugging Face

question stringlengths 1 6.54k	choices listlengths 4 4	answer class label 4 classes
Which is a unit of measure for length?	[ "meters", "degrees", "milliliters", "atmospheres" ]	0A
Movement of Earth's crust along plate boundaries produces	[ "fronts", "tides", "hurricanes", "earthquakes" ]	3D
The praying mantis is well camouflaged in its natural habitat. What is a benefit of this adaptation?	[ "It increases the mutation rate of favorable genes.", "It reduces the risk of being eaten by a predator.", "It allows absorption of chlorophyll from plants.", "It improves the chances of finding a mate." ]	1B
The Greek philosopher Aristotle described matter with the phrase "unable to be divided." The modern concept that grew from Aristotle's idea is the	[ "atom.", "proton.", "neutron.", "electron." ]	0A
Paleontologists often find and study the remains of ancient plants and animals. When the remains of ancient plants and animals are covered by layers of sediment over time, the remains	[ "melt", "dissolve", "become a fossil", "evaporate into vapor" ]	2C
What are the basic structural units of living organisms?	[ "cells", "nuclei", "organs", "tissues" ]	0A
A student is visiting a local limestone quarry and finds fossils of seashells. The quarry is located hundreds of miles from the ocean. The fossils best indicate that	[ "this area was once below sea level.", "global temperature changed over time.", "erosion took place after a flood.", "volcanic activity affected the area." ]	0A
What happens to metal railroad tracks during the heat of a summer day?	[ "decrease in weight", "increase in weight", "decrease in length", "increase in length" ]	3D
Jake is testing how light affects plant growth. He grows two plants in identical pots with the same amount of water and fertilizer. Jake grows one of the plants in the sun, and the other in the shade. Which part of Jake's process indicates that there is a control for this investigation?	[ "He is growing plants in identical pots.", "He is using the same amount of water.", "He is growing one plant out of the sun.", "He is using the same amount of fertilizer." ]	2C
Which stage of a frog's life cycle can be compared to a plant seed growing into a new plant?	[ "when frog eggs are laid in water", "when frog eggs hatch into tadpoles", "when tadpoles live in water and breathe with gills", "when frogs use lungs for breathing out of water" ]	1B
Which of these elements is likely to be found in an organic compound?	[ "helium", "hydrogen", "mercury", "tin" ]	1B
What statement describes what happens to the carbon dioxide waste produced by a developing baby during pregnancy?	[ "It is carried by the umbilical cord to the placenta and then to the mother's blood.", "It is released from the fetus by its breathing and then is absorbed by the placenta.", "It is released through the fetal urine and then exits through the umbilical cord.", "It is carried through shared blood vessels and then to the mother's lungs." ]	0A
Which part of the atom has a negative charge?	[ "neutron", "nucleus", "electron", "proton" ]	2C
Which is a learned behavior?	[ "A dog uses its tongue to drink.", "A robin holds a branch with its feet.", "A chimpanzee digs for termites with a stick.", "A worm moves to the top of flooded ground." ]	2C
Organisms that reproduce asexually generally have offspring that are	[ "unicellular.", "multicellular.", "genetically varied.", "genetically identical." ]	3D
Crows are found throughout many parts of the world. They are black birds with excellent hearing. In the wild they live for six to seven years. Some crows in Japan open hard-shelled nuts by dropping them in front of moving cars. Which of these is a learned behavior?	[ "Having excellent hearing", "Living six to seven years", "Dropping nuts in front of cars", "Having black feathers" ]	2C
Which object would best help a student determine if a block of an unknown material is magnetic?	[ "wooden ruler", "paper clip", "glass marble", "magnifying glass" ]	1B
About how much of Earth's surface is covered by oceans?	[ "less than 20%", "about 50%", "about 70%", "more than 90%" ]	2C
Sound will not travel in a	[ "solid", "liquid", "gas", "vacuum" ]	3D
What supplies most of the energy that plants need to make food?	[ "rain", "wind", "minerals", "sunlight" ]	3D
Which of the following is the main role of flowers found on most flowering plants?	[ "to take in air", "to produce seeds", "to absorb nutrients", "to protect the stem" ]	1B
Which adaptation will warn predators not to eat an animal?	[ "bright colors", "bulging eyes", "geometric shapes", "poisonous secretions" ]	0A
The cones of a jack pine tree require great amounts of heat to release their seeds. When are jack pine tree seeds most likely released?	[ "during a flood", "after a fire", "during a drought", "after a disease" ]	1B
When a thin slice from an onion is viewed through a microscope, lots of little box-like shapes are seen. These shapes are most likely	[ "atoms.", "dust.", "cells.", "bubbles." ]	2C
Which is an example of substances reacting chemically?	[ "iron and oxygen forming rust", "paper being cut into small pieces", "chocolate melting in a pan", "flour and sugar mixed together in a bowl" ]	0A
An object's hardness, taste, and texture are examples of	[ "principles", "stages", "properties", "processes" ]	2C
Some objects conduct electricity. Which object is the best conductor of electricity?	[ "a metal fork", "a wood spoon", "a plastic comb", "a rubber eraser" ]	0A
Which of the following eras is known as the "Age of Mammals"?	[ "Precambrian", "Paleozoic", "Mesozoic", "Cenozoic" ]	3D
In Alaska, there are fewer hours of daylight in the winter than in the summer. Which statement best explains why this difference occurs?	[ "The Sun burns hotter in the summer.", "The Sun moves below the horizon in the summer.", "The Northern Hemisphere is closer to the Sun in the winter.", "The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun in the winter." ]	3D
Most of Earth's major earthquakes are caused by	[ "seasonal heating and cooling of Earth's surface", "weathering of rock at Earth's surface", "Earth's gravitational attraction to the Moon", "faulting of rock in Earth's crust" ]	3D
A girl with long hair is going to be participating in an experiment that uses an alcohol burner for an energy source. What is the best thing for her to do to prepare for this experiment?	[ "leave her large jacket in her locker for the day", "use goggles during the experiment", "tie her hair back away from her face", "wear a lab apron during the experiment" ]	2C
Which factor would have the greatest influence on the southern migration of animals living in the Northern Hemisphere?	[ "strong storms", "long periods of drought", "cold air temperatures", "increasing daylight hours" ]	2C
What carries oxygen throughout the body?	[ "white blood cells", "brain", "red blood cells", "nerves" ]	2C
Which is the best example of an inherited behavior?	[ "a bear knowing the best place to catch salmon", "a cat clawing on a tree to sharpen its claws", "a dog coming when it hears a bell", "a horse trotting its way back to the barn" ]	1B
What do all animals need in order to survive?	[ "rocks, water, and soil", "water, air, and food", "air, rocks, and sunlight", "food, soil, and sunlight" ]	1B
Estella spilled tomato sauce on her shirt. When she washed her shirt, she noticed that the detergent she used contained enzymes. Enzymes are added to detergents to break down proteins from food and other substances that may stain clothing. Which would most likely inhibit the ability of the enzymes to remove the stain on her shirt?	[ "the amount of dissolved minerals in the water", "the type of fibers from which her shirt was made", "the temperature of the water", "the fragrances in the detergent" ]	2C
Which of the following best describes an atom?	[ "protons and electrons grouped together in a random pattern", "protons and electrons grouped together in an alternating pattern", "a core of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons", "a core of electrons and neutrons surrounded by protons" ]	2C
At a weightlifting competition, two competitors lifted the same weight to the same height. The second competitor accomplished the lift 2 seconds faster than the first competitor. This demonstrated that the second competitor had more	[ "energy than the first.", "inertia than the first.", "power than the first.", "work than the first." ]	2C
The fur color of a bear varies with its environment. Polar bears found in the Arctic have white fur, while black bears found in Pennsylvania have dark fur. Which best describes the variation of fur color amongst the bear species?	[ "modified characteristic", "ecological succession", "structural adaptation", "selective breeding" ]	2C
A car has a small gasoline engine combined with a battery-powered electric motor. When the car stops at a red light, the gasoline engine stops running and the electric motor begins working. How does this type of car most likely benefit people?	[ "reduces traffic", "uses less gasoline", "accelerates faster", "carries more passengers" ]	1B
Increased populations can lead to the depletion of locally available resources. Compared to other communities, which of these locally available resources is most likely to be depleted in desert communities?	[ "mineral", "oxygen", "gasoline", "water" ]	3D
Where is the first place a scientist should present new research data about the structure of a galaxy in order to receive the most appropriate review of the research?	[ "a high school science classroom", "a university science blog", "a peer-reviewed science journal", "a popular science news magazine" ]	2C
Which action most likely causes large rocks to become smaller pieces of rock?	[ "melting inside of Earth", "weathering by wind and water", "cementing by mud and minerals", "being pressed between layers of soil" ]	1B
European starlings are birds that take over the nests of other birds. When they move into an area, starlings reproduce quickly. Taking over the nests of other birds most likely increases the number of starlings by helping them to do what?	[ "attract a better mate", "compete for resources", "migrate during the winter", "blend in with the environment" ]	1B
Many bacteria are decomposer organisms. Which of the following statements best describes how these bacteria help make soil more fertile?	[ "The bacteria break down water into food.", "The bacteria change sunlight into minerals.", "The bacteria combine with sand to form rocks.", "The bacteria break down plant and animal matter." ]	3D
In Rutherford's experiment, what caused some high-energy particles to bounce off the metal, while most pass straight through?	[ "light waves", "magnetic waves", "positive charges", "negative charges" ]	2C
Jenny's class made an instrument to measure air pressure. The instrument is a	[ "thermometer.", "rain gauge.", "barometer.", "wind vane." ]	2C
Condensation in the water cycle can best be described as the result of water vapor	[ "rising into the atmosphere, cooling and changing into a liquid form.", "rising into the atmosphere, warming and changing into a gaseous form.", "changing from a liquid form into a solid and forming snow.", "changing from a gas form into a solid and forming hail." ]	0A
New carpet is being measured for a room that is 5.5 m by 4.6 m. On a measuring tape, what is the smallest unit that is necessary to measure the room accurately for the carpet?	[ "millimeters", "centimeters", "meters", "kilometers" ]	1B
How does an ecosystem benefit when leaves fall from a tree and decompose on the soil?	[ "Nutrients are released into the soil.", "Soil erosion decreases.", "Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the soil.", "Soil temperature decreases." ]	0A
Which of the following gases do plants use in photosynthesis?	[ "hydrogen", "oxygen", "carbon dioxide", "carbon monoxide" ]	2C
During an ice age, enormous ice sheets called glaciers increase in size on Earth's surface, resulting in decreased ocean depths. Due to global cooling, the water cycle is disrupted between which two stages to cause an increase in glacier size?	[ "runoff and evaporation", "transpiration and precipitation", "precipitation and runoff", "transpiration and evaporation" ]	2C
Different units of measurement are more useful in some settings than in others. Which unit of measurement is most used when comparing distances within the solar system?	[ "the mile", "the kilometer", "the light year", "the astronomical unit" ]	3D
The formation of diamonds requires tremendous pressure that is generated	[ "in deep ocean trenches.", "high in the mountains.", "in dry environments.", "deep below the crust." ]	3D
What characteristic helps a rabbit survive in a winter environment?	[ "size", "strength", "long ears", "camouflage" ]	3D
A science class is taking a field trip to a forest to observe and study birds. Which tool would be most helpful for observing birds?	[ "beakers", "binoculars", "safety goggles", "microscopes" ]	1B
An example of an instinct is	[ "laughing at something funny.", "dogs doing tricks when told.", "doing your homework at the same time each day.", "salmon returning to their birthplace to lay their eggs." ]	3D
During which change of state do the particles of a substance move from being tightly packed together to having more freedom of movement?	[ "a solid becoming a liquid", "a gas becoming a solid", "a gas becoming a liquid", "a liquid becoming a solid" ]	0A
When astronauts walked on the Moon, they used weighted boots to help them walk due to the lower gravitational pull. What difference between Earth and the Moon accounts for the difference in gravity?	[ "density", "diameter", "mass", "volume" ]	2C
A population of wood mice lives in a cool, moist temperate forest. Several years of hot, dry weather have affected the plants in the area. Which mice in the population are most likely to survive this change and pass their genes on to their offspring?	[ "those with the warmest coats and best camouflage", "the largest and strongest mice in the population", "those with traits most adapted to the new environment", "the youngest and fastest mice in the population" ]	2C
Harmful ultraviolet rays from the Sun are primarily absorbed by	[ "dust.", "ozone.", "land masses.", "water vapor." ]	1B
Which of these is most likely caused by the action of water, wind, and animals?	[ "mountains", "erosion", "earthquakes", "volcanic eruptions" ]	1B
The core of Earth is divided into two layers. The outer core is made of	[ "basaltic rocks.", "silicate rocks.", "solid iron and nickel.", "molten iron and nickel." ]	3D
Offshore oil platforms affect ocean habitats. An ocean environment is most likely damaged by an offshore oil platform because	[ "leaking oil from the oil platform might pollute the water", "fishing from the oil platform might reduce the fish population", "drilling in the ocean floor might reduce the water temperature", "changing the ocean floor might increase the number of hurricanes" ]	0A
An object such as a hammer weighs less on the Moon than on Earth. This is because the Moon has a	[ "thinner atmosphere than Earth.", "smaller diameter than Earth.", "stronger magnetic field than Earth.", "lower mass than Earth." ]	3D
A scientist plans a project to determine the effect of rain on the formation of caves. An area of rock has been chosen as the site for the investigation. How often should the scientist measure the changes in the rock?	[ "every day", "every week", "every month", "every year" ]	3D
Which type of rock is formed from limestone that has been compacted, heated, and recrystallized?	[ "siltstone", "sandstone", "marble", "shale" ]	2C
Isabel goes jogging for two miles on a sunny afternoon. At the end of her run, she is warmer. As Isabel jogs, which function does the skin perform to help stabilize her body temperature?	[ "Her skin exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide.", "Her skin produces red blood cells.", "Her skin releases hormones.", "Her skin discharges water." ]	3D
Which cell can survive without the help of other cells?	[ "leaf cell", "yeast cell", "onion cell", "muscle cell" ]	1B
Frogs and salamanders compete with each other for insects. Both frogs and salamanders catch flying insects with their tongues. Which feature would most likely help both animals compete for flying insects?	[ "sticky tongues", "bright tongues", "thick tongues", "short tongues" ]	0A
Which interaction benefits both organisms?	[ "a flea living on a dog", "a bee pollinating a flower", "a tapeworm living inside an animal", "a mosquito biting a person" ]	1B
Which type of rock is formed when limestone is subjected to heat and pressure?	[ "sandstone", "basalt", "marble", "granite" ]	2C
Jenny measures the outside temperature as 16 degrees Celsius (°C), 61 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). She observes precipitation falling from the clouds in a solid form. What type of precipitation is Jenny most likely observing?	[ "hail", "rain", "sleet", "snow" ]	0A
A change in the environment that causes a response is known as a	[ "stimulus", "habit", "reflex", "source" ]	0A
Aluminum is an element. Which of the following best describes the smallest particle of aluminum that retains all the properties of aluminum?	[ "a molecule", "an atom", "a proton", "an electron" ]	1B
What advantage do sea stars gain from having radial symmetry?	[ "They reproduce at a faster rate.", "They digest food more efficiently.", "They move quickly along the ground.", "They sense predators and potential food from all directions." ]	3D
A student has a ball of clay that sinks when placed in a pan of water. Which property should he change to make the clay float?	[ "color", "texture", "mass", "shape" ]	3D
The population of which of the following 26 organisms would most likely decline if small animals like rats, rabbits, and snakes were eliminated from an ecosystem?	[ "earthworms", "grasses", "hawks", "mushrooms" ]	2C
During a lab investigation, students were asked to determine the best way to clean up an oil spill using different materials. Investigation Materials • filter paper • foam sponge • metal wire screen • thin sock filled with hair The students tested the materials by placing each material into separate buckets containing oil and water. They recorded their observations on which material absorbed the most oil. Why would the students' teacher ask them to repeat their tests?	[ "to determine if water and oil can be separated", "to learn more about how to protect wildlife during an oil spill", "to improve the chances of obtaining accurate oil cleanup results", "to increase the total amount of oil removed from each container" ]	2C
A delta can be seen from the air at the mouth of the Mississippi River. This delta was formed by	[ "erosion.", "weathering.", "conservation of soil.", "deposition of sediment." ]	3D
The nose, mouth, and diaphragm are parts of which body system?	[ "digestive", "muscular", "circulatory", "respiratory" ]	3D
Students are studying some leaves. They group the leaves by shape. Which science process are the students using when they put the leaves in different groups?	[ "classifying", "predicting", "measuring", "experimenting" ]	0A
The thin, semi-permeable membrane that encloses a cell allows nutrients to enter and wastes to be	[ "digested.", "recycled.", "protected.", "excreted." ]	3D
A small, fast-moving river in is in a V-shaped valley on the slope of a mountain. If you follow the river to where it passes through a plain, what will the river most likely look like compared with how it looked on the mountain?	[ "Much the same", "Deeper and faster", "Slower and wider", "Straighter" ]	2C
The atmosphere of Mars is almost entirely composed of a greenhouse gas. Compared with Earth, which factor accounts for the low, nighttime surface temperatures on Mars?	[ "Mars is much farther from the Sun than Earth.", "The atmosphere on Mars has an extremely low density.", "The atmosphere on Mars lacks global circulation.", "Mars has more glacial activity than Earth." ]	1B
Asexually produced offspring are genetically	[ "identical to the parent", "different from the parent", "different from each other", "formed by two parents" ]	0A
A teacher asks her students to examine titles of four scientific articles. Which titled article is specifically about a chemical change?	[ "How Baking Soda Reacts With Vinegar", "How Rust Can Be Scraped off of Metal", "How Metals Respond to Electrical Currents", "How Elements Can Change Phase When Heated" ]	0A
Nuclear fusion is the source of energy for stars. Besides hydrogen, which other element is most likely also common in stars?	[ "helium", "nitrogen", "oxygen", "uranium" ]	0A
Plants in a forest need to obtain nutrients from the soil to survive. How do most of the nutrients get back in the soil once the forest plants have used them for growth?	[ "Organic matter recycles from dead organisms.", "Commercial fertilizers are applied by humans.", "Solar radiation reaches the ground surface.", "Rainwater drips off of living organisms." ]	0A
Conjugation in a paramecium differs from sexual reproduction in volvox because conjugation	[ "results in two genetically identical cells.", "requires specialized gonidia cells.", "forms haploid male and female gametes.", "takes place between specialized cells." ]	0A
Which of the following helps to produce urine in humans and other mammals?	[ "bladder", "urethra", "kidneys", "ureter" ]	2C
A scientist looks at a graph that shows the percentages of humus, clay, and sand that make up a soil. If the scientist had the total weight of each material, instead of percentages, what type of graph would be best to illustrate the data?	[ "bar graph", "scatterplot", "circle graph", "pictograph" ]	0A
Which unit of measurement describes an object's length?	[ "meter", "kilogram", "liter", "degree" ]	0A
Which organ is part of the respiratory system?	[ "stomach", "lungs", "spinal cord", "large intestines" ]	1B
The iron in iron-rich red soils may not be in a form that can be taken up by tree roots. As a result, leaves and needles may look yellow. Some trees release acids that convert iron in soil to a usable form. This change in soil chemistry is a type of which process?	[ "deposition", "weathering", "precipitation", "photosynthesis" ]	1B
The action that results when waves made in a pond strike the edges and bounce back is known as	[ "amplitude.", "frequency.", "vibration.", "reflection." ]	3D
Sleet and hail are forms of	[ "clouds", "energy", "evaporation", "precipitation" ]	3D
Astronomers have determined the surface temperature of stars by studying their colors. What color emission represents stars with the hottest temperatures?	[ "blue", "red", "white", "yellow" ]	0A
Because sulfur cannot be decomposed by simple chemical methods into two or more different substances, it is classified as	[ "an element.", "a compound.", "a mixture.", "a molecule." ]	0A
The students watch ocean waves crash on a beach. Which statement describes what will most likely happen because of the waves?	[ "Grass on the beach will grow longer.", "Sand from the beach will wash away.", "Salt from the ocean will be left on the beach.", "Currents in the ocean will become stronger." ]	1B

Which is a unit of measure for length?

[ "meters", "degrees", "milliliters", "atmospheres" ]

0A

Movement of Earth's crust along plate boundaries produces

[ "fronts", "tides", "hurricanes", "earthquakes" ]

3D

The praying mantis is well camouflaged in its natural habitat. What is a benefit of this adaptation?

[ "It increases the mutation rate of favorable genes.", "It reduces the risk of being eaten by a predator.", "It allows absorption of chlorophyll from plants.", "It improves the chances of finding a mate." ]

1B

The Greek philosopher Aristotle described matter with the phrase "unable to be divided." The modern concept that grew from Aristotle's idea is the

[ "atom.", "proton.", "neutron.", "electron." ]

0A

Paleontologists often find and study the remains of ancient plants and animals. When the remains of ancient plants and animals are covered by layers of sediment over time, the remains

[ "melt", "dissolve", "become a fossil", "evaporate into vapor" ]

2C

What are the basic structural units of living organisms?

[ "cells", "nuclei", "organs", "tissues" ]

0A

A student is visiting a local limestone quarry and finds fossils of seashells. The quarry is located hundreds of miles from the ocean. The fossils best indicate that

[ "this area was once below sea level.", "global temperature changed over time.", "erosion took place after a flood.", "volcanic activity affected the area." ]

0A

What happens to metal railroad tracks during the heat of a summer day?

[ "decrease in weight", "increase in weight", "decrease in length", "increase in length" ]

3D

Jake is testing how light affects plant growth. He grows two plants in identical pots with the same amount of water and fertilizer. Jake grows one of the plants in the sun, and the other in the shade. Which part of Jake's process indicates that there is a control for this investigation?

[ "He is growing plants in identical pots.", "He is using the same amount of water.", "He is growing one plant out of the sun.", "He is using the same amount of fertilizer." ]

2C

Which stage of a frog's life cycle can be compared to a plant seed growing into a new plant?

[ "when frog eggs are laid in water", "when frog eggs hatch into tadpoles", "when tadpoles live in water and breathe with gills", "when frogs use lungs for breathing out of water" ]

1B

Which of these elements is likely to be found in an organic compound?

[ "helium", "hydrogen", "mercury", "tin" ]

1B

What statement describes what happens to the carbon dioxide waste produced by a developing baby during pregnancy?

[ "It is carried by the umbilical cord to the placenta and then to the mother's blood.", "It is released from the fetus by its breathing and then is absorbed by the placenta.", "It is released through the fetal urine and then exits through the umbilical cord.", "It is carried through shared blood vessels and then to the mother's lungs." ]

0A

Which part of the atom has a negative charge?

[ "neutron", "nucleus", "electron", "proton" ]

2C

Which is a learned behavior?

[ "A dog uses its tongue to drink.", "A robin holds a branch with its feet.", "A chimpanzee digs for termites with a stick.", "A worm moves to the top of flooded ground." ]

2C

Organisms that reproduce asexually generally have offspring that are

[ "unicellular.", "multicellular.", "genetically varied.", "genetically identical." ]

3D

Crows are found throughout many parts of the world. They are black birds with excellent hearing. In the wild they live for six to seven years. Some crows in Japan open hard-shelled nuts by dropping them in front of moving cars. Which of these is a learned behavior?

[ "Having excellent hearing", "Living six to seven years", "Dropping nuts in front of cars", "Having black feathers" ]

2C

Which object would best help a student determine if a block of an unknown material is magnetic?

[ "wooden ruler", "paper clip", "glass marble", "magnifying glass" ]

1B

About how much of Earth's surface is covered by oceans?

[ "less than 20%", "about 50%", "about 70%", "more than 90%" ]

2C

Sound will not travel in a

[ "solid", "liquid", "gas", "vacuum" ]

3D

What supplies most of the energy that plants need to make food?

[ "rain", "wind", "minerals", "sunlight" ]

3D

Which of the following is the main role of flowers found on most flowering plants?

[ "to take in air", "to produce seeds", "to absorb nutrients", "to protect the stem" ]

1B

Which adaptation will warn predators not to eat an animal?

[ "bright colors", "bulging eyes", "geometric shapes", "poisonous secretions" ]

0A

The cones of a jack pine tree require great amounts of heat to release their seeds. When are jack pine tree seeds most likely released?

[ "during a flood", "after a fire", "during a drought", "after a disease" ]

1B

When a thin slice from an onion is viewed through a microscope, lots of little box-like shapes are seen. These shapes are most likely

[ "atoms.", "dust.", "cells.", "bubbles." ]

2C

Which is an example of substances reacting chemically?

[ "iron and oxygen forming rust", "paper being cut into small pieces", "chocolate melting in a pan", "flour and sugar mixed together in a bowl" ]

0A

An object's hardness, taste, and texture are examples of

[ "principles", "stages", "properties", "processes" ]

2C

Some objects conduct electricity. Which object is the best conductor of electricity?

[ "a metal fork", "a wood spoon", "a plastic comb", "a rubber eraser" ]

0A

Which of the following eras is known as the "Age of Mammals"?

[ "Precambrian", "Paleozoic", "Mesozoic", "Cenozoic" ]

3D

In Alaska, there are fewer hours of daylight in the winter than in the summer. Which statement best explains why this difference occurs?

[ "The Sun burns hotter in the summer.", "The Sun moves below the horizon in the summer.", "The Northern Hemisphere is closer to the Sun in the winter.", "The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun in the winter." ]

3D

Most of Earth's major earthquakes are caused by

[ "seasonal heating and cooling of Earth's surface", "weathering of rock at Earth's surface", "Earth's gravitational attraction to the Moon", "faulting of rock in Earth's crust" ]

3D

A girl with long hair is going to be participating in an experiment that uses an alcohol burner for an energy source. What is the best thing for her to do to prepare for this experiment?

[ "leave her large jacket in her locker for the day", "use goggles during the experiment", "tie her hair back away from her face", "wear a lab apron during the experiment" ]

2C

Which factor would have the greatest influence on the southern migration of animals living in the Northern Hemisphere?

[ "strong storms", "long periods of drought", "cold air temperatures", "increasing daylight hours" ]

2C

What carries oxygen throughout the body?

[ "white blood cells", "brain", "red blood cells", "nerves" ]

2C

Which is the best example of an inherited behavior?

[ "a bear knowing the best place to catch salmon", "a cat clawing on a tree to sharpen its claws", "a dog coming when it hears a bell", "a horse trotting its way back to the barn" ]

1B

What do all animals need in order to survive?

[ "rocks, water, and soil", "water, air, and food", "air, rocks, and sunlight", "food, soil, and sunlight" ]

1B

Estella spilled tomato sauce on her shirt. When she washed her shirt, she noticed that the detergent she used contained enzymes. Enzymes are added to detergents to break down proteins from food and other substances that may stain clothing. Which would most likely inhibit the ability of the enzymes to remove the stain on her shirt?

[ "the amount of dissolved minerals in the water", "the type of fibers from which her shirt was made", "the temperature of the water", "the fragrances in the detergent" ]

2C

Which of the following best describes an atom?

[ "protons and electrons grouped together in a random pattern", "protons and electrons grouped together in an alternating pattern", "a core of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons", "a core of electrons and neutrons surrounded by protons" ]

2C

At a weightlifting competition, two competitors lifted the same weight to the same height. The second competitor accomplished the lift 2 seconds faster than the first competitor. This demonstrated that the second competitor had more

[ "energy than the first.", "inertia than the first.", "power than the first.", "work than the first." ]

2C

The fur color of a bear varies with its environment. Polar bears found in the Arctic have white fur, while black bears found in Pennsylvania have dark fur. Which best describes the variation of fur color amongst the bear species?

[ "modified characteristic", "ecological succession", "structural adaptation", "selective breeding" ]

2C

A car has a small gasoline engine combined with a battery-powered electric motor. When the car stops at a red light, the gasoline engine stops running and the electric motor begins working. How does this type of car most likely benefit people?

[ "reduces traffic", "uses less gasoline", "accelerates faster", "carries more passengers" ]

1B

Increased populations can lead to the depletion of locally available resources. Compared to other communities, which of these locally available resources is most likely to be depleted in desert communities?

[ "mineral", "oxygen", "gasoline", "water" ]

3D

Where is the first place a scientist should present new research data about the structure of a galaxy in order to receive the most appropriate review of the research?

[ "a high school science classroom", "a university science blog", "a peer-reviewed science journal", "a popular science news magazine" ]

2C

Which action most likely causes large rocks to become smaller pieces of rock?

[ "melting inside of Earth", "weathering by wind and water", "cementing by mud and minerals", "being pressed between layers of soil" ]

1B

European starlings are birds that take over the nests of other birds. When they move into an area, starlings reproduce quickly. Taking over the nests of other birds most likely increases the number of starlings by helping them to do what?

[ "attract a better mate", "compete for resources", "migrate during the winter", "blend in with the environment" ]

1B

Many bacteria are decomposer organisms. Which of the following statements best describes how these bacteria help make soil more fertile?

[ "The bacteria break down water into food.", "The bacteria change sunlight into minerals.", "The bacteria combine with sand to form rocks.", "The bacteria break down plant and animal matter." ]

3D

In Rutherford's experiment, what caused some high-energy particles to bounce off the metal, while most pass straight through?

[ "light waves", "magnetic waves", "positive charges", "negative charges" ]

2C

Jenny's class made an instrument to measure air pressure. The instrument is a

[ "thermometer.", "rain gauge.", "barometer.", "wind vane." ]

2C

Condensation in the water cycle can best be described as the result of water vapor

[ "rising into the atmosphere, cooling and changing into a liquid form.", "rising into the atmosphere, warming and changing into a gaseous form.", "changing from a liquid form into a solid and forming snow.", "changing from a gas form into a solid and forming hail." ]

0A

New carpet is being measured for a room that is 5.5 m by 4.6 m. On a measuring tape, what is the smallest unit that is necessary to measure the room accurately for the carpet?

[ "millimeters", "centimeters", "meters", "kilometers" ]

1B

How does an ecosystem benefit when leaves fall from a tree and decompose on the soil?

[ "Nutrients are released into the soil.", "Soil erosion decreases.", "Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the soil.", "Soil temperature decreases." ]

0A

Which of the following gases do plants use in photosynthesis?

[ "hydrogen", "oxygen", "carbon dioxide", "carbon monoxide" ]

2C

During an ice age, enormous ice sheets called glaciers increase in size on Earth's surface, resulting in decreased ocean depths. Due to global cooling, the water cycle is disrupted between which two stages to cause an increase in glacier size?

[ "runoff and evaporation", "transpiration and precipitation", "precipitation and runoff", "transpiration and evaporation" ]

2C

Different units of measurement are more useful in some settings than in others. Which unit of measurement is most used when comparing distances within the solar system?

[ "the mile", "the kilometer", "the light year", "the astronomical unit" ]

3D

The formation of diamonds requires tremendous pressure that is generated

[ "in deep ocean trenches.", "high in the mountains.", "in dry environments.", "deep below the crust." ]

3D

What characteristic helps a rabbit survive in a winter environment?

[ "size", "strength", "long ears", "camouflage" ]

3D

A science class is taking a field trip to a forest to observe and study birds. Which tool would be most helpful for observing birds?

[ "beakers", "binoculars", "safety goggles", "microscopes" ]

1B

An example of an instinct is

[ "laughing at something funny.", "dogs doing tricks when told.", "doing your homework at the same time each day.", "salmon returning to their birthplace to lay their eggs." ]

3D

During which change of state do the particles of a substance move from being tightly packed together to having more freedom of movement?

[ "a solid becoming a liquid", "a gas becoming a solid", "a gas becoming a liquid", "a liquid becoming a solid" ]

0A

When astronauts walked on the Moon, they used weighted boots to help them walk due to the lower gravitational pull. What difference between Earth and the Moon accounts for the difference in gravity?

[ "density", "diameter", "mass", "volume" ]

2C

A population of wood mice lives in a cool, moist temperate forest. Several years of hot, dry weather have affected the plants in the area. Which mice in the population are most likely to survive this change and pass their genes on to their offspring?

[ "those with the warmest coats and best camouflage", "the largest and strongest mice in the population", "those with traits most adapted to the new environment", "the youngest and fastest mice in the population" ]

2C

Harmful ultraviolet rays from the Sun are primarily absorbed by

[ "dust.", "ozone.", "land masses.", "water vapor." ]

1B

Which of these is most likely caused by the action of water, wind, and animals?

[ "mountains", "erosion", "earthquakes", "volcanic eruptions" ]

1B

The core of Earth is divided into two layers. The outer core is made of

[ "basaltic rocks.", "silicate rocks.", "solid iron and nickel.", "molten iron and nickel." ]

3D

Offshore oil platforms affect ocean habitats. An ocean environment is most likely damaged by an offshore oil platform because

[ "leaking oil from the oil platform might pollute the water", "fishing from the oil platform might reduce the fish population", "drilling in the ocean floor might reduce the water temperature", "changing the ocean floor might increase the number of hurricanes" ]

0A

An object such as a hammer weighs less on the Moon than on Earth. This is because the Moon has a

[ "thinner atmosphere than Earth.", "smaller diameter than Earth.", "stronger magnetic field than Earth.", "lower mass than Earth." ]

3D

A scientist plans a project to determine the effect of rain on the formation of caves. An area of rock has been chosen as the site for the investigation. How often should the scientist measure the changes in the rock?

[ "every day", "every week", "every month", "every year" ]

3D

Which type of rock is formed from limestone that has been compacted, heated, and recrystallized?

[ "siltstone", "sandstone", "marble", "shale" ]

2C

Isabel goes jogging for two miles on a sunny afternoon. At the end of her run, she is warmer. As Isabel jogs, which function does the skin perform to help stabilize her body temperature?

[ "Her skin exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide.", "Her skin produces red blood cells.", "Her skin releases hormones.", "Her skin discharges water." ]

3D

Which cell can survive without the help of other cells?

[ "leaf cell", "yeast cell", "onion cell", "muscle cell" ]

1B

Frogs and salamanders compete with each other for insects. Both frogs and salamanders catch flying insects with their tongues. Which feature would most likely help both animals compete for flying insects?

[ "sticky tongues", "bright tongues", "thick tongues", "short tongues" ]

0A

Which interaction benefits both organisms?

[ "a flea living on a dog", "a bee pollinating a flower", "a tapeworm living inside an animal", "a mosquito biting a person" ]

1B

Which type of rock is formed when limestone is subjected to heat and pressure?

[ "sandstone", "basalt", "marble", "granite" ]

2C

Jenny measures the outside temperature as 16 degrees Celsius (°C), 61 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). She observes precipitation falling from the clouds in a solid form. What type of precipitation is Jenny most likely observing?

[ "hail", "rain", "sleet", "snow" ]

0A

A change in the environment that causes a response is known as a

[ "stimulus", "habit", "reflex", "source" ]

0A

Aluminum is an element. Which of the following best describes the smallest particle of aluminum that retains all the properties of aluminum?

[ "a molecule", "an atom", "a proton", "an electron" ]

1B

What advantage do sea stars gain from having radial symmetry?

[ "They reproduce at a faster rate.", "They digest food more efficiently.", "They move quickly along the ground.", "They sense predators and potential food from all directions." ]

3D

A student has a ball of clay that sinks when placed in a pan of water. Which property should he change to make the clay float?

[ "color", "texture", "mass", "shape" ]

3D

The population of which of the following 26 organisms would most likely decline if small animals like rats, rabbits, and snakes were eliminated from an ecosystem?

[ "earthworms", "grasses", "hawks", "mushrooms" ]

2C

During a lab investigation, students were asked to determine the best way to clean up an oil spill using different materials. Investigation Materials • filter paper • foam sponge • metal wire screen • thin sock filled with hair The students tested the materials by placing each material into separate buckets containing oil and water. They recorded their observations on which material absorbed the most oil. Why would the students' teacher ask them to repeat their tests?

[ "to determine if water and oil can be separated", "to learn more about how to protect wildlife during an oil spill", "to improve the chances of obtaining accurate oil cleanup results", "to increase the total amount of oil removed from each container" ]

2C

A delta can be seen from the air at the mouth of the Mississippi River. This delta was formed by

[ "erosion.", "weathering.", "conservation of soil.", "deposition of sediment." ]

3D

The nose, mouth, and diaphragm are parts of which body system?

[ "digestive", "muscular", "circulatory", "respiratory" ]

3D

Students are studying some leaves. They group the leaves by shape. Which science process are the students using when they put the leaves in different groups?

[ "classifying", "predicting", "measuring", "experimenting" ]

0A

The thin, semi-permeable membrane that encloses a cell allows nutrients to enter and wastes to be

[ "digested.", "recycled.", "protected.", "excreted." ]

3D

A small, fast-moving river in is in a V-shaped valley on the slope of a mountain. If you follow the river to where it passes through a plain, what will the river most likely look like compared with how it looked on the mountain?

[ "Much the same", "Deeper and faster", "Slower and wider", "Straighter" ]

2C

The atmosphere of Mars is almost entirely composed of a greenhouse gas. Compared with Earth, which factor accounts for the low, nighttime surface temperatures on Mars?

[ "Mars is much farther from the Sun than Earth.", "The atmosphere on Mars has an extremely low density.", "The atmosphere on Mars lacks global circulation.", "Mars has more glacial activity than Earth." ]

1B

Asexually produced offspring are genetically

[ "identical to the parent", "different from the parent", "different from each other", "formed by two parents" ]

0A

A teacher asks her students to examine titles of four scientific articles. Which titled article is specifically about a chemical change?

[ "How Baking Soda Reacts With Vinegar", "How Rust Can Be Scraped off of Metal", "How Metals Respond to Electrical Currents", "How Elements Can Change Phase When Heated" ]

0A

Nuclear fusion is the source of energy for stars. Besides hydrogen, which other element is most likely also common in stars?

[ "helium", "nitrogen", "oxygen", "uranium" ]

0A

Plants in a forest need to obtain nutrients from the soil to survive. How do most of the nutrients get back in the soil once the forest plants have used them for growth?

[ "Organic matter recycles from dead organisms.", "Commercial fertilizers are applied by humans.", "Solar radiation reaches the ground surface.", "Rainwater drips off of living organisms." ]

0A

Conjugation in a paramecium differs from sexual reproduction in volvox because conjugation

[ "results in two genetically identical cells.", "requires specialized gonidia cells.", "forms haploid male and female gametes.", "takes place between specialized cells." ]

0A

Which of the following helps to produce urine in humans and other mammals?

[ "bladder", "urethra", "kidneys", "ureter" ]

2C

A scientist looks at a graph that shows the percentages of humus, clay, and sand that make up a soil. If the scientist had the total weight of each material, instead of percentages, what type of graph would be best to illustrate the data?

[ "bar graph", "scatterplot", "circle graph", "pictograph" ]

0A

Which unit of measurement describes an object's length?

[ "meter", "kilogram", "liter", "degree" ]

0A

Which organ is part of the respiratory system?

[ "stomach", "lungs", "spinal cord", "large intestines" ]

1B

The iron in iron-rich red soils may not be in a form that can be taken up by tree roots. As a result, leaves and needles may look yellow. Some trees release acids that convert iron in soil to a usable form. This change in soil chemistry is a type of which process?

[ "deposition", "weathering", "precipitation", "photosynthesis" ]

1B

The action that results when waves made in a pond strike the edges and bounce back is known as

[ "amplitude.", "frequency.", "vibration.", "reflection." ]

3D

Sleet and hail are forms of

[ "clouds", "energy", "evaporation", "precipitation" ]

3D

Astronomers have determined the surface temperature of stars by studying their colors. What color emission represents stars with the hottest temperatures?

[ "blue", "red", "white", "yellow" ]

0A

Because sulfur cannot be decomposed by simple chemical methods into two or more different substances, it is classified as

[ "an element.", "a compound.", "a mixture.", "a molecule." ]

0A

The students watch ocean waves crash on a beach. Which statement describes what will most likely happen because of the waves?

[ "Grass on the beach will grow longer.", "Sand from the beach will wash away.", "Salt from the ocean will be left on the beach.", "Currents in the ocean will become stronger." ]

1B