epanner/MNLP_M3_mcqa_dataset · Datasets at Hugging Face

question stringlengths 1 6.54k	choices listlengths 4 4	answer class label 4 classes
A student climbs up a rocky mountain trail in Maine. She sees many small pieces of rock on the path. Which action most likely made the small pieces of rock?	[ "sand blowing into cracks", "leaves pressing down tightly", "ice breaking large rocks apart", "shells and bones sticking together" ]	2C
Which of the following heat exchange processes involves the collision of particles?	[ "insulation", "conduction", "convection", "radiation" ]	1B
The most effective way to show a change happening over time is to display your results using a	[ "line graph.", "Venn diagram.", "pie chart.", "flow chart." ]	0A
The diet of a brown bear includes roots, grasses, berries, nuts, fish, insects, and mammals. Based on this description, in what category is a brown bear?	[ "carnivore", "herbivore", "omnivore", "decomposer" ]	2C
A bracket fungus grows on a dead tree and breaks it down into chemical nutrients. What term best classifies the role of a bracket fungus in this ecosystem?	[ "producer", "consumer", "parasite", "decomposer" ]	3D
The comet Shoemaker-Levy struck the planet Jupiter in July of 1994. The process of a comet striking a planet is an example of a net decrease in kinetic energy. Kinetic energy was ultimately converted into	[ "light.", "radiation.", "thermal energy.", "electromagnetic energy." ]	2C
An earthquake in the Earth's crust under the ocean releases sound waves. Which statement accurately describes how the sound waves spread?	[ "They spread in all directions away from their source.", "They remain trapped near the source by water pressure.", "They travel mostly horizontally along the ocean floor.", "They travel mostly upward toward the surface of the water." ]	0A
Which provides the oldest evidence for oxygen accumulation in Earth's atmosphere?	[ "the earliest fossils of animals", "the earliest sediments of oxidized rock", "impact craters of oxidized-iron asteroids", "extensive volcanic calderas of similar age" ]	1B
Louis Pasteur discovered that the bacteria in a substance can be killed by heating the substance for a short period of time. Which of these practices benefited most from Pasteur's discovery?	[ "storing foods for longer periods of time", "building ovens and other heating devices", "creating medicines that cure infections", "transporting living organisms without injuring them" ]	0A
How do traits of animals such as ear shape, nose shape, and hair color most often get passed to offspring?	[ "sexual reproduction", "asexual reproduction", "adaptation", "instinct" ]	0A
Why is the ozone content of the stratosphere important to living organisms?	[ "Ozone absorbs infrared radiation from the Sun.", "Ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.", "Ozone is necessary to create oxygen for living things.", "Ozone in the atmosphere prevents radiation of heat from Earth." ]	1B
If an environment becomes warmer and drier, the change that would most likely help a species adapt would be an increase in its	[ "amount of body fat.", "amount of body hair.", "ability to climb trees.", "ability to store water." ]	3D
Thousands of years ago, several species of large mammals existed in North America. These species became extinct not long after the first human settlement of North America. Which human activity most likely contributed to the extinction of these mammals?	[ "hunting", "waterway pollution", "habitat destruction", "competition for resources" ]	0A
Which of the following is an example of a behavioral adaptation?	[ "hooves of a horse", "migration of birds", "a spider web", "a bee hive" ]	1B
Which two processes could result in the formation of high mountains with well-rounded peaks?	[ "volcanic eruptions and global warming", "earthquakes and tidal activity", "collision of crustal plates and erosion", "production of greenhouse gases and weathering" ]	2C
The brown tree snake is a nonnative species found on the South Pacific island of Guam. The brown tree snake population in Guam is so large that it negatively affects the humans there. Which statement best explains why the brown tree snake has flourished in Guam?	[ "There are many animals for food.", "There are no natural snake predators.", "The climate is ideal for snake reproduction.", "The vegetation provides good habitat for hunting." ]	1B
How are droughts always different from floods?	[ "They have different locations.", "They happen in different ecosystems.", "They have different amounts of water.", "They happen at different times of the year." ]	2C
Which of the following is a harmful waste material that leaves the blood and travels through the lungs before leaving the body?	[ "CO2.", "O2.", "H2O.", "NaCl." ]	0A
How are a tree and grass alike?	[ "Both make wood.", "Both have roots.", "Both need moonlight.", "Both have short lives." ]	1B
What organ system in the human body contains the pituitary gland, hypothalamus gland, and thyroid gland?	[ "reproductive system", "excretory system", "endocrine system", "circulatory system" ]	2C
Which term describes an organism's ability to maintain a stable internal environment?	[ "reproduction", "extinction", "locomotion", "regulation" ]	3D
Which of the following can provide the human body with long-term immunity against some diseases?	[ "antibiotics", "vitamins", "vaccines", "red blood cells" ]	2C
Which event is most likely to increase the genetic variation in a population of organisms?	[ "improved hunting techniques", "greater environmental stress", "increased immigration", "introduced predators" ]	2C
Where would animals and plants be most affected by a flood?	[ "low areas", "high areas", "warm areas", "cold areas" ]	0A
Which seismic wave phenomenon, found at structural boundaries, allows scientists to interpret the interior structure of Earth?	[ "refraction of waves", "generation of new waves", "transformation of transverse waves into longitudinal waves", "transformation of mechanical waves into electromagnetic waves" ]	0A
When ice melts, it becomes a	[ "gas.", "solid.", "liquid.", "plasma." ]	2C
Which combination of letters could be used as a chemical symbol for an element?	[ "BR", "Chl", "Dy", "FeO" ]	2C
How is the stratosphere different from the troposphere?	[ "The clouds in the stratosphere produce more rain.", "The air in the stratosphere has a greater density.", "The composition of the stratosphere lacks ozone.", "The temperature of the stratosphere warms at higher altitude." ]	3D
If a student gets a chemical splashed into an eye, what is the most appropriate first action to be taken?	[ "wipe it with a paper towel", "call 911 for emergency services", "have someone go get the school nurse", "flush the eye with water at an eyewash station" ]	3D
Which of the following best describes an advantage of using a mass production manufacturing system instead of a custom manufacturing system?	[ "Customers can provide specific feedback to workers.", "Workers become skilled in all aspects of assembly.", "Goods can be easily modified for customers.", "Products can be made at a lower cost." ]	3D
Which adaptation allows a walrus to stay warm in cold water?	[ "reddish coat", "bristly mustache", "wrinkled skin", "thick layer of blubber" ]	3D
Ninety-nine percent of the mass of an atom is located in	[ "the outermost energy level.", "the first energy level.", "the electron clouds.", "the nucleus." ]	3D
Which of the following is a common renewable resource found in deserts?	[ "biodiesel", "uranium", "natural gas", "solar energy" ]	3D
Beaver dams can cause floods. This statement shows how	[ "animal growth is affected by environmental conditions", "animal behavior may affect the environment", "an animal's health depends on its environment", "an animal's development depends on its environment" ]	1B
A scientist crosses a red-flowered plant with a white-flowered plant, and all offspring have red flowers. What will most likely result if these red-flowered offspring are crossed with white-flowered plants?	[ "All of the offspring will have red flowers.", "All of the offspring will have white flowers.", "The offspring will have either red or white flowers.", "The offspring will have neither red nor white flowers." ]	2C
Genetically modified plants with new characteristics have been produced through genetic engineering methods. What impacts have resulted from the use of genetically modified plants?	[ "decreases in farm production", "decreases in corn, soybean, cottonseed, and canola oils", "increases in time required to plant, grow, and harvest crops", "increases in resistance to herbicides, insects, and viral diseases" ]	3D
Which best explains the importance of nitrogen in the cycling of energy and matter?	[ "Nitrogen increases protein production in plants.", "Nitrogen decreases protein production in plants.", "Nitrogen decreases the effectiveness of photosynthesis.", "Nitrogen increases the effectiveness of photosynthesis." ]	0A
Which of these mixtures would be easiest to separate?	[ "Fruit salad", "Powdered lemonade", "Hot chocolate", "Instant pudding" ]	0A
If you wanted to be able to look at the stars, the planets, and the Moon more closely, what should you use?	[ "Telescope", "Periscope", "Microscope", "Magnifying glass" ]	0A
Which of the following is a correct food chain?	[ "human -> corn -> cow", "corn -> human -> cow", "corn -> cow -> human", "cow -> human -> corn" ]	2C
Which of these is directly formed as a result of weathering and erosion?	[ "crystals", "sediments", "igneous rocks", "metamorphic rocks" ]	1B
Most underground caves are formed by the action of water on	[ "granite", "limestone", "sandstone", "shale" ]	1B
A group of students is taking a hike along a stream channel. One student picks up a rock from the stream and notices that the rock is very smooth and round. Which type of weathering most likely shaped the rock?	[ "abrasion", "exfoliation", "fracturing", "oxidation" ]	0A
Which of the following is most likely to make a rock crack and crumble?	[ "dew evaporating on the rock", "leaves decaying on the rock", "snow melting in a crack in the rock", "water freezing in a crack in the rock" ]	3D
Which is the most likely reason why scientific theories change?	[ "public opinions change", "retiring scientists are replaced", "more money is spent on science", "scientists make new observations" ]	3D
A plant produces tiny plants around the edges of its leaves. When these tiny plants fall to the ground, they take root and become new plants. This process is an example of	[ "sexual reproduction", "asexual reproduction", "evolution", "extinction" ]	1B
A function of a plant's roots is to	[ "protect the plant.", "absorb water and minerals.", "remove waste products.", "take in food for the plant." ]	1B
In order for sediments to become rock, the sediments are generally	[ "mixed with organic material.", "returned to their origins.", "compacted.", "liquefied." ]	2C
When bedrock in Massachusetts is examined, it often appears scraped and polished. Which of the following most likely caused the bedrock to appear scraped and polished?	[ "crustal deformation", "frequent earthquakes", "glacial movement", "volcanic eruptions" ]	2C
Endothermic reactions are reactions that require more energy to start than they give off in the products. Which statement describes an endothermic reaction?	[ "It gives off heat energy and is hot to the touch.", "It absorbs heat energy and is cold to the touch.", "It gives off light energy and produces visible light.", "It gives off water and is wet to the touch." ]	1B
Which pair of English and metric units has most nearly the same value?	[ "liter and quart", "gram and ounce", "kilogram and pound", "kilometer and mile" ]	0A
Students are studying the classifications of stars and they learned that the majority of stars are similar to the Sun. What can the students conclude knowing that most of the stars in the galaxy are like the Sun?	[ "Most of the stars will become black holes.", "Most of the stars are main sequence stars.", "Most of the stars are protostars.", "Most of the stars are red giants." ]	1B
Mosquitoes have adapted to detect carbon dioxide using certain sensory nerves. Mosquitoes instinctually move toward greater concentrations of carbon dioxide. What is the importance of this adaptation?	[ "It helps mosquitoes find food.", "It helps mosquitoes find mates.", "It helps mosquitoes find clean air.", "It helps mosquitoes find shelter." ]	0A
Which unit can be used to describe an object's length?	[ "grams", "minutes", "liters", "meters" ]	3D
Meteorologists categorize hurricanes based on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The scale measures the intensity and destructive potential of hurricanes. Which factor has the most significant effect on the strength of a hurricane?	[ "the initial speed of a hurricane", "the direction that the hurricane rotates", "the number of hurricanes that form in a year", "the temperature of the water below the hurricane" ]	3D
Multicellular organisms grow in size by producing more	[ "cells.", "organs.", "heart muscle.", "chlorophyll." ]	0A
Which a molecular process found only in retroviruses?	[ "reverse translation", "translation", "reverse transcription", "transcription" ]	2C
A group of students are observing a fish tank for a school assignment. The group is to share the observations with the class. Which statement about observations is true?	[ "Observations should always be recorded.", "Observations should be collected only once.", "Observations are only collected by scientists.", "Observations are always correct if used in a chart." ]	0A
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO_{3}) is commonly known as baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that can dissolve in water. Under the proper conditions, sodium bicarbonate can release carbon dioxide (CO_{2}) gas. Which of the following is not a physical property of sodium bicarbonate?	[ "It is white.", "It is a solid.", "It can dissolve in water.", "It releases carbon dioxide." ]	3D
To help it survive, an organism has a capsule, endospore, and pili. To which group does this organism belong?	[ "bacteria", "mollusk", "insect", "reptile" ]	0A
What advantage is gained by using radio telescopes as opposed to optical telescopes?	[ "viewed images are clearer", "operation is less complex", "ability to see through clouds and dust", "ability to take up less space" ]	2C
The process by which organisms with favorable variations reproduce at higher rates than those without such variations is	[ "disruptive selection.", "natural selection.", "sexual selection.", "directional selection." ]	1B
Competition is most likely to occur between which two organisms?	[ "deer and butterflies", "owls and bacteria", "goldfish and rabbits", "grass and strawberry plants" ]	3D
Some animals, such as squirrels, may bury acorns. Which of the following is most likely to happen to the acorns after they have been buried?	[ "The acorns will be carried away by the wind.", "The acorns will attach to another organism.", "The acorns will have a chance to sprout.", "The acorns will turn into fossils." ]	2C
Why are most fossils found in sedimentary rocks?	[ "Sedimentary rocks are not very old.", "Organisms live only in areas with sedimentary rock.", "Organisms can be preserved in sedimentary rock.", "Sedimentary rocks are found only at the surface of the ground." ]	2C
Which model is used by scientists to determine the properties of elements?	[ "a Punnett square", "the Periodic Table", "a pedigree chart", "the rock cycle" ]	1B
Life is more likely to be found on a planet whose atmosphere contains abundant	[ "neon.", "oxygen.", "hydrogen.", "sulfur dioxide." ]	1B
Approximately how long does Earth take to complete its orbit around the Sun?	[ "one day", "one month", "one year", "one century" ]	2C
A student describes a substance as lacking a definite shape. The description also states that the particles of matter are close to each other but still able to flow past each other. Which type of substance is the student most likely describing?	[ "solid", "liquid", "mixture", "compound" ]	1B
Electron transport in mitochondria results in a chemiosmotic gradient of which particle across the mitochondrial membrane?	[ "ADP", "ATP", "protons", "neutrons" ]	2C
At science conventions, scientists present their research, and members of the audience can discuss or ask questions about the research. The main value of these science conventions is that they allow scientists to	[ "see new places.", "find money for projects.", "practice public speaking.", "exchange their ideas." ]	3D
When a boy stands in a field in the sunlight, he usually is able to see his	[ "weight", "temperature", "reflection", "shadow" ]	3D
In the human body, which system functions primarily to defend the body against disease?	[ "digestive", "immune", "nervous", "respiratory" ]	1B
The moon goes through phases as it revolves around Earth. During which phase of the moon would it be possible for a solar eclipse to occur?	[ "new moon", "full moon", "waning", "waxing" ]	0A
Which of these is the most common result of greenhouse gases altering the atmosphere of Earth?	[ "an increase in the air temperature", "a decrease in the air density", "an increase in the intensity of visible light", "a decrease in the thickness of the ozone layer" ]	0A
A student was taking notes while the teacher was discussing cells. Which of these is a statement that the teacher most likely made?	[ "Most cells have the same shape.", "The shape of a cell depends upon its function.", "Cells that carry information are round and disk-shaped.", "Blood cells that move through the body are long and thread-like." ]	1B
What goal does taxonomy accomplish?	[ "explains the differences between living organisms", "classifies living organisms into groups", "predicts the types of undiscovered organisms", "establishes relationships of organisms with their habitats" ]	1B
The fusion reaction that fuels the Sun converts hydrogen into	[ "carbon.", "iron.", "neon.", "helium." ]	3D
The main function of hormones in the human body is to	[ "identify and destroy microbes", "regulate body functions", "transport blood to cells", "store energy" ]	1B
Which gas, when condensed into its liquid state in the atmosphere, forms clouds?	[ "methane", "nitrogen", "water vapor", "carbon dioxide" ]	2C
Fertilizers added by farmers to the soil contain high amounts of nitrates. How do fertilizers affect the nitrogen cycle?	[ "More nitrates are available for plants to absorb.", "More nitrates are available for animals to eat.", "More nitrogen gas is released into the atmosphere.", "More nitrogen is converted by bacteria into nitrates." ]	0A
A scientist is comparing two body cells of a multicellular organism. Which of the following is most likely identical?	[ "shape of cell walls", "number of mitochondria", "shape of cell membranes", "number of chromosomes" ]	3D
Organisms that consume wastes to obtain the nutrients they need to survive are classified as	[ "decomposers", "herbivores", "predators", "producers" ]	0A
In the 1600s, Galileo Galilei studied the moons of Jupiter. What did Galileo do to make better observations?	[ "invented the microscope", "wrote a book about the planets", "created a model of the solar system", "made improvements to the telescope" ]	3D
Which of these provides the best evidence that Earth's crust is divided into tectonic plates?	[ "the distribution of water on Earth's surface", "the distribution of biomes on Earth's surface", "the distribution of rock types on Earth's surface", "the distribution of earthquakes on Earth's surface" ]	3D
What causes the soil in a flood plain to be generally rich in nutrients?	[ "constantly flowing water", "many fish in the river", "new soil deposited by the river", "warm water from an ocean" ]	2C
Which characteristic is common to all reptile species?	[ "endothermic (warm-blooded)", "slimy skin", "ectothermic (cold-blooded)", "hairy skin" ]	2C
Scientists working for a company are testing a new medicine that they think will help heal damaged tissue. In which part of the company are the scientists working?	[ "distribution", "mass marketing", "public relations", "research" ]	3D
Most of Earth's surface is covered by	[ "sand", "trees", "water", "mountains" ]	2C
The chemical equation below shows reactants and products. 6CO_{2} + 12H_{2}O + light + enzymes -> C_{6}H_{12}O_{6} + 6O_{2} + 6H_{2}O Which statement is best supported by analyzing this equation?	[ "CO_{2} is made from the chemical reaction.", "No new compounds are made from this reaction.", "O_{2}, oxygen gas, is needed to make the reaction start.", "The atoms rearrange in the chemical reaction so that C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}, glucose, is made." ]	3D
In a desert environment, cactus wrens often build their nests in cholla cacti to avoid predators. This behavior does not hurt the cacti. Which type of relationship do cactus wrens and cholla cacti demonstrate?	[ "competitive", "commensalism", "mutualism", "parasitism" ]	1B
The Davis Mountains in West Texas used to be taller than they are now. Which of the following conditions most likely caused the mountains to become shorter over time?	[ "Heat and pressure", "Soil deposition", "Rain and wind", "River formation" ]	2C
Photosynthesis is the process that converts carbon dioxide and water into	[ "carbon and oxygen.", "sugar and hydrogen.", "sugar and oxygen.", "nitrogen and carbon." ]	2C
Which statement best describes the organization of the Periodic Table of the Elements?	[ "All gases are grouped together.", "Gases easily form compounds with other elements.", "Elements within a group have similar properties.", "Elements within a period have the same number of electrons." ]	2C
Signs in many stores and restaurants warn that microwaves are in use. What is the main reason for this warning?	[ "Some people do not like food cooked in microwave ovens.", "Microwaves sometimes affect people's sense of sight.", "Microwaves sometimes cause hair or teeth to fall out.", "Some people have pacemakers that may be affected by microwaves." ]	3D
A scientist studies the remains of two extinct animals to learn more about how they lived. She determines that one animal was a carnivore and the other was an herbivore. Which of the following did the scientist most likely compare to make this conclusion?	[ "the number of bones in the animals", "the size of the animals", "the body covering of the animals", "the skull of the animals" ]	3D
Human actions can change the rate at which soil erodes. Which of the following would most likely slow the rate of soil erosion?	[ "applying nitrogen-rich fertilizers", "keeping grasses trimmed short", "building houses on stilts", "planting trees along cliffs" ]	3D
Which ability is the most useful for making observations?	[ "senses", "memory", "creativity", "imagination" ]	0A
Sterling silver is a combination of silver and copper. Which of the following is also a combination of two or more metals?	[ "aluminum.", "lead.", "gold.", "brass." ]	3D
The cows in a rancher's herd of cattle have been selectively bred to produce milk. Which of the following will cause the next generation of cows to receive the trait for producing large quantities of milk?	[ "nutrients in the cows' food", "essential minerals in the cows' water", "electrical impulses in the cows' brains", "information in the cows' chromosomes" ]	3D

A student climbs up a rocky mountain trail in Maine. She sees many small pieces of rock on the path. Which action most likely made the small pieces of rock?

[ "sand blowing into cracks", "leaves pressing down tightly", "ice breaking large rocks apart", "shells and bones sticking together" ]

2C

Which of the following heat exchange processes involves the collision of particles?

[ "insulation", "conduction", "convection", "radiation" ]

1B

The most effective way to show a change happening over time is to display your results using a

[ "line graph.", "Venn diagram.", "pie chart.", "flow chart." ]

0A

The diet of a brown bear includes roots, grasses, berries, nuts, fish, insects, and mammals. Based on this description, in what category is a brown bear?

[ "carnivore", "herbivore", "omnivore", "decomposer" ]

2C

A bracket fungus grows on a dead tree and breaks it down into chemical nutrients. What term best classifies the role of a bracket fungus in this ecosystem?

[ "producer", "consumer", "parasite", "decomposer" ]

3D

The comet Shoemaker-Levy struck the planet Jupiter in July of 1994. The process of a comet striking a planet is an example of a net decrease in kinetic energy. Kinetic energy was ultimately converted into

[ "light.", "radiation.", "thermal energy.", "electromagnetic energy." ]

2C

An earthquake in the Earth's crust under the ocean releases sound waves. Which statement accurately describes how the sound waves spread?

[ "They spread in all directions away from their source.", "They remain trapped near the source by water pressure.", "They travel mostly horizontally along the ocean floor.", "They travel mostly upward toward the surface of the water." ]

0A

Which provides the oldest evidence for oxygen accumulation in Earth's atmosphere?

[ "the earliest fossils of animals", "the earliest sediments of oxidized rock", "impact craters of oxidized-iron asteroids", "extensive volcanic calderas of similar age" ]

1B

Louis Pasteur discovered that the bacteria in a substance can be killed by heating the substance for a short period of time. Which of these practices benefited most from Pasteur's discovery?

[ "storing foods for longer periods of time", "building ovens and other heating devices", "creating medicines that cure infections", "transporting living organisms without injuring them" ]

0A

How do traits of animals such as ear shape, nose shape, and hair color most often get passed to offspring?

[ "sexual reproduction", "asexual reproduction", "adaptation", "instinct" ]

0A

Why is the ozone content of the stratosphere important to living organisms?

[ "Ozone absorbs infrared radiation from the Sun.", "Ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.", "Ozone is necessary to create oxygen for living things.", "Ozone in the atmosphere prevents radiation of heat from Earth." ]

1B

If an environment becomes warmer and drier, the change that would most likely help a species adapt would be an increase in its

[ "amount of body fat.", "amount of body hair.", "ability to climb trees.", "ability to store water." ]

3D

Thousands of years ago, several species of large mammals existed in North America. These species became extinct not long after the first human settlement of North America. Which human activity most likely contributed to the extinction of these mammals?

[ "hunting", "waterway pollution", "habitat destruction", "competition for resources" ]

0A

Which of the following is an example of a behavioral adaptation?

[ "hooves of a horse", "migration of birds", "a spider web", "a bee hive" ]

1B

Which two processes could result in the formation of high mountains with well-rounded peaks?

[ "volcanic eruptions and global warming", "earthquakes and tidal activity", "collision of crustal plates and erosion", "production of greenhouse gases and weathering" ]

2C

The brown tree snake is a nonnative species found on the South Pacific island of Guam. The brown tree snake population in Guam is so large that it negatively affects the humans there. Which statement best explains why the brown tree snake has flourished in Guam?

[ "There are many animals for food.", "There are no natural snake predators.", "The climate is ideal for snake reproduction.", "The vegetation provides good habitat for hunting." ]

1B

How are droughts always different from floods?

[ "They have different locations.", "They happen in different ecosystems.", "They have different amounts of water.", "They happen at different times of the year." ]

2C

Which of the following is a harmful waste material that leaves the blood and travels through the lungs before leaving the body?

[ "CO2.", "O2.", "H2O.", "NaCl." ]

0A

How are a tree and grass alike?

[ "Both make wood.", "Both have roots.", "Both need moonlight.", "Both have short lives." ]

1B

What organ system in the human body contains the pituitary gland, hypothalamus gland, and thyroid gland?

[ "reproductive system", "excretory system", "endocrine system", "circulatory system" ]

2C

Which term describes an organism's ability to maintain a stable internal environment?

[ "reproduction", "extinction", "locomotion", "regulation" ]

3D

Which of the following can provide the human body with long-term immunity against some diseases?

[ "antibiotics", "vitamins", "vaccines", "red blood cells" ]

2C

Which event is most likely to increase the genetic variation in a population of organisms?

[ "improved hunting techniques", "greater environmental stress", "increased immigration", "introduced predators" ]

2C

Where would animals and plants be most affected by a flood?

[ "low areas", "high areas", "warm areas", "cold areas" ]

0A

Which seismic wave phenomenon, found at structural boundaries, allows scientists to interpret the interior structure of Earth?

[ "refraction of waves", "generation of new waves", "transformation of transverse waves into longitudinal waves", "transformation of mechanical waves into electromagnetic waves" ]

0A

When ice melts, it becomes a

[ "gas.", "solid.", "liquid.", "plasma." ]

2C

Which combination of letters could be used as a chemical symbol for an element?

[ "BR", "Chl", "Dy", "FeO" ]

2C

How is the stratosphere different from the troposphere?

[ "The clouds in the stratosphere produce more rain.", "The air in the stratosphere has a greater density.", "The composition of the stratosphere lacks ozone.", "The temperature of the stratosphere warms at higher altitude." ]

3D

If a student gets a chemical splashed into an eye, what is the most appropriate first action to be taken?

[ "wipe it with a paper towel", "call 911 for emergency services", "have someone go get the school nurse", "flush the eye with water at an eyewash station" ]

3D

Which of the following best describes an advantage of using a mass production manufacturing system instead of a custom manufacturing system?

[ "Customers can provide specific feedback to workers.", "Workers become skilled in all aspects of assembly.", "Goods can be easily modified for customers.", "Products can be made at a lower cost." ]

3D

Which adaptation allows a walrus to stay warm in cold water?

[ "reddish coat", "bristly mustache", "wrinkled skin", "thick layer of blubber" ]

3D

Ninety-nine percent of the mass of an atom is located in

[ "the outermost energy level.", "the first energy level.", "the electron clouds.", "the nucleus." ]

3D

Which of the following is a common renewable resource found in deserts?

[ "biodiesel", "uranium", "natural gas", "solar energy" ]

3D

Beaver dams can cause floods. This statement shows how

[ "animal growth is affected by environmental conditions", "animal behavior may affect the environment", "an animal's health depends on its environment", "an animal's development depends on its environment" ]

1B

A scientist crosses a red-flowered plant with a white-flowered plant, and all offspring have red flowers. What will most likely result if these red-flowered offspring are crossed with white-flowered plants?

[ "All of the offspring will have red flowers.", "All of the offspring will have white flowers.", "The offspring will have either red or white flowers.", "The offspring will have neither red nor white flowers." ]

2C

Genetically modified plants with new characteristics have been produced through genetic engineering methods. What impacts have resulted from the use of genetically modified plants?

[ "decreases in farm production", "decreases in corn, soybean, cottonseed, and canola oils", "increases in time required to plant, grow, and harvest crops", "increases in resistance to herbicides, insects, and viral diseases" ]

3D

Which best explains the importance of nitrogen in the cycling of energy and matter?

[ "Nitrogen increases protein production in plants.", "Nitrogen decreases protein production in plants.", "Nitrogen decreases the effectiveness of photosynthesis.", "Nitrogen increases the effectiveness of photosynthesis." ]

0A

Which of these mixtures would be easiest to separate?

[ "Fruit salad", "Powdered lemonade", "Hot chocolate", "Instant pudding" ]

0A

If you wanted to be able to look at the stars, the planets, and the Moon more closely, what should you use?

[ "Telescope", "Periscope", "Microscope", "Magnifying glass" ]

0A

Which of the following is a correct food chain?

[ "human -> corn -> cow", "corn -> human -> cow", "corn -> cow -> human", "cow -> human -> corn" ]

2C

Which of these is directly formed as a result of weathering and erosion?

[ "crystals", "sediments", "igneous rocks", "metamorphic rocks" ]

1B

Most underground caves are formed by the action of water on

[ "granite", "limestone", "sandstone", "shale" ]

1B

A group of students is taking a hike along a stream channel. One student picks up a rock from the stream and notices that the rock is very smooth and round. Which type of weathering most likely shaped the rock?

[ "abrasion", "exfoliation", "fracturing", "oxidation" ]

0A

Which of the following is most likely to make a rock crack and crumble?

[ "dew evaporating on the rock", "leaves decaying on the rock", "snow melting in a crack in the rock", "water freezing in a crack in the rock" ]

3D

Which is the most likely reason why scientific theories change?

[ "public opinions change", "retiring scientists are replaced", "more money is spent on science", "scientists make new observations" ]

3D

A plant produces tiny plants around the edges of its leaves. When these tiny plants fall to the ground, they take root and become new plants. This process is an example of

[ "sexual reproduction", "asexual reproduction", "evolution", "extinction" ]

1B

A function of a plant's roots is to

[ "protect the plant.", "absorb water and minerals.", "remove waste products.", "take in food for the plant." ]

1B

In order for sediments to become rock, the sediments are generally

[ "mixed with organic material.", "returned to their origins.", "compacted.", "liquefied." ]

2C

When bedrock in Massachusetts is examined, it often appears scraped and polished. Which of the following most likely caused the bedrock to appear scraped and polished?

[ "crustal deformation", "frequent earthquakes", "glacial movement", "volcanic eruptions" ]

2C

Endothermic reactions are reactions that require more energy to start than they give off in the products. Which statement describes an endothermic reaction?

[ "It gives off heat energy and is hot to the touch.", "It absorbs heat energy and is cold to the touch.", "It gives off light energy and produces visible light.", "It gives off water and is wet to the touch." ]

1B

Which pair of English and metric units has most nearly the same value?

[ "liter and quart", "gram and ounce", "kilogram and pound", "kilometer and mile" ]

0A

Students are studying the classifications of stars and they learned that the majority of stars are similar to the Sun. What can the students conclude knowing that most of the stars in the galaxy are like the Sun?

[ "Most of the stars will become black holes.", "Most of the stars are main sequence stars.", "Most of the stars are protostars.", "Most of the stars are red giants." ]

1B

Mosquitoes have adapted to detect carbon dioxide using certain sensory nerves. Mosquitoes instinctually move toward greater concentrations of carbon dioxide. What is the importance of this adaptation?

[ "It helps mosquitoes find food.", "It helps mosquitoes find mates.", "It helps mosquitoes find clean air.", "It helps mosquitoes find shelter." ]

0A

Which unit can be used to describe an object's length?

[ "grams", "minutes", "liters", "meters" ]

3D

Meteorologists categorize hurricanes based on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The scale measures the intensity and destructive potential of hurricanes. Which factor has the most significant effect on the strength of a hurricane?

[ "the initial speed of a hurricane", "the direction that the hurricane rotates", "the number of hurricanes that form in a year", "the temperature of the water below the hurricane" ]

3D

Multicellular organisms grow in size by producing more

[ "cells.", "organs.", "heart muscle.", "chlorophyll." ]

0A

Which a molecular process found only in retroviruses?

[ "reverse translation", "translation", "reverse transcription", "transcription" ]

2C

A group of students are observing a fish tank for a school assignment. The group is to share the observations with the class. Which statement about observations is true?

[ "Observations should always be recorded.", "Observations should be collected only once.", "Observations are only collected by scientists.", "Observations are always correct if used in a chart." ]

0A

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO_{3}) is commonly known as baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that can dissolve in water. Under the proper conditions, sodium bicarbonate can release carbon dioxide (CO_{2}) gas. Which of the following is not a physical property of sodium bicarbonate?

[ "It is white.", "It is a solid.", "It can dissolve in water.", "It releases carbon dioxide." ]

3D

To help it survive, an organism has a capsule, endospore, and pili. To which group does this organism belong?

[ "bacteria", "mollusk", "insect", "reptile" ]

0A

What advantage is gained by using radio telescopes as opposed to optical telescopes?

[ "viewed images are clearer", "operation is less complex", "ability to see through clouds and dust", "ability to take up less space" ]

2C

The process by which organisms with favorable variations reproduce at higher rates than those without such variations is

[ "disruptive selection.", "natural selection.", "sexual selection.", "directional selection." ]

1B

Competition is most likely to occur between which two organisms?

[ "deer and butterflies", "owls and bacteria", "goldfish and rabbits", "grass and strawberry plants" ]

3D

Some animals, such as squirrels, may bury acorns. Which of the following is most likely to happen to the acorns after they have been buried?

[ "The acorns will be carried away by the wind.", "The acorns will attach to another organism.", "The acorns will have a chance to sprout.", "The acorns will turn into fossils." ]

2C

Why are most fossils found in sedimentary rocks?

[ "Sedimentary rocks are not very old.", "Organisms live only in areas with sedimentary rock.", "Organisms can be preserved in sedimentary rock.", "Sedimentary rocks are found only at the surface of the ground." ]

2C

Which model is used by scientists to determine the properties of elements?

[ "a Punnett square", "the Periodic Table", "a pedigree chart", "the rock cycle" ]

1B

Life is more likely to be found on a planet whose atmosphere contains abundant

[ "neon.", "oxygen.", "hydrogen.", "sulfur dioxide." ]

1B

Approximately how long does Earth take to complete its orbit around the Sun?

[ "one day", "one month", "one year", "one century" ]

2C

A student describes a substance as lacking a definite shape. The description also states that the particles of matter are close to each other but still able to flow past each other. Which type of substance is the student most likely describing?

[ "solid", "liquid", "mixture", "compound" ]

1B

Electron transport in mitochondria results in a chemiosmotic gradient of which particle across the mitochondrial membrane?

[ "ADP", "ATP", "protons", "neutrons" ]

2C

At science conventions, scientists present their research, and members of the audience can discuss or ask questions about the research. The main value of these science conventions is that they allow scientists to

[ "see new places.", "find money for projects.", "practice public speaking.", "exchange their ideas." ]

3D

When a boy stands in a field in the sunlight, he usually is able to see his

[ "weight", "temperature", "reflection", "shadow" ]

3D

In the human body, which system functions primarily to defend the body against disease?

[ "digestive", "immune", "nervous", "respiratory" ]

1B

The moon goes through phases as it revolves around Earth. During which phase of the moon would it be possible for a solar eclipse to occur?

[ "new moon", "full moon", "waning", "waxing" ]

0A

Which of these is the most common result of greenhouse gases altering the atmosphere of Earth?

[ "an increase in the air temperature", "a decrease in the air density", "an increase in the intensity of visible light", "a decrease in the thickness of the ozone layer" ]

0A

A student was taking notes while the teacher was discussing cells. Which of these is a statement that the teacher most likely made?

[ "Most cells have the same shape.", "The shape of a cell depends upon its function.", "Cells that carry information are round and disk-shaped.", "Blood cells that move through the body are long and thread-like." ]

1B

What goal does taxonomy accomplish?

[ "explains the differences between living organisms", "classifies living organisms into groups", "predicts the types of undiscovered organisms", "establishes relationships of organisms with their habitats" ]

1B

The fusion reaction that fuels the Sun converts hydrogen into

[ "carbon.", "iron.", "neon.", "helium." ]

3D

The main function of hormones in the human body is to

[ "identify and destroy microbes", "regulate body functions", "transport blood to cells", "store energy" ]

1B

Which gas, when condensed into its liquid state in the atmosphere, forms clouds?

[ "methane", "nitrogen", "water vapor", "carbon dioxide" ]

2C

Fertilizers added by farmers to the soil contain high amounts of nitrates. How do fertilizers affect the nitrogen cycle?

[ "More nitrates are available for plants to absorb.", "More nitrates are available for animals to eat.", "More nitrogen gas is released into the atmosphere.", "More nitrogen is converted by bacteria into nitrates." ]

0A

A scientist is comparing two body cells of a multicellular organism. Which of the following is most likely identical?

[ "shape of cell walls", "number of mitochondria", "shape of cell membranes", "number of chromosomes" ]

3D

Organisms that consume wastes to obtain the nutrients they need to survive are classified as

[ "decomposers", "herbivores", "predators", "producers" ]

0A

In the 1600s, Galileo Galilei studied the moons of Jupiter. What did Galileo do to make better observations?

[ "invented the microscope", "wrote a book about the planets", "created a model of the solar system", "made improvements to the telescope" ]

3D

Which of these provides the best evidence that Earth's crust is divided into tectonic plates?

[ "the distribution of water on Earth's surface", "the distribution of biomes on Earth's surface", "the distribution of rock types on Earth's surface", "the distribution of earthquakes on Earth's surface" ]

3D

What causes the soil in a flood plain to be generally rich in nutrients?

[ "constantly flowing water", "many fish in the river", "new soil deposited by the river", "warm water from an ocean" ]

2C

Which characteristic is common to all reptile species?

[ "endothermic (warm-blooded)", "slimy skin", "ectothermic (cold-blooded)", "hairy skin" ]

2C

Scientists working for a company are testing a new medicine that they think will help heal damaged tissue. In which part of the company are the scientists working?

[ "distribution", "mass marketing", "public relations", "research" ]

3D

Most of Earth's surface is covered by

[ "sand", "trees", "water", "mountains" ]

2C

The chemical equation below shows reactants and products. 6CO_{2} + 12H_{2}O + light + enzymes -> C_{6}H_{12}O_{6} + 6O_{2} + 6H_{2}O Which statement is best supported by analyzing this equation?

[ "CO_{2} is made from the chemical reaction.", "No new compounds are made from this reaction.", "O_{2}, oxygen gas, is needed to make the reaction start.", "The atoms rearrange in the chemical reaction so that C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}, glucose, is made." ]

3D

In a desert environment, cactus wrens often build their nests in cholla cacti to avoid predators. This behavior does not hurt the cacti. Which type of relationship do cactus wrens and cholla cacti demonstrate?

[ "competitive", "commensalism", "mutualism", "parasitism" ]

1B

The Davis Mountains in West Texas used to be taller than they are now. Which of the following conditions most likely caused the mountains to become shorter over time?

[ "Heat and pressure", "Soil deposition", "Rain and wind", "River formation" ]

2C

Photosynthesis is the process that converts carbon dioxide and water into

[ "carbon and oxygen.", "sugar and hydrogen.", "sugar and oxygen.", "nitrogen and carbon." ]

2C

Which statement best describes the organization of the Periodic Table of the Elements?

[ "All gases are grouped together.", "Gases easily form compounds with other elements.", "Elements within a group have similar properties.", "Elements within a period have the same number of electrons." ]

2C

Signs in many stores and restaurants warn that microwaves are in use. What is the main reason for this warning?

[ "Some people do not like food cooked in microwave ovens.", "Microwaves sometimes affect people's sense of sight.", "Microwaves sometimes cause hair or teeth to fall out.", "Some people have pacemakers that may be affected by microwaves." ]

3D

A scientist studies the remains of two extinct animals to learn more about how they lived. She determines that one animal was a carnivore and the other was an herbivore. Which of the following did the scientist most likely compare to make this conclusion?

[ "the number of bones in the animals", "the size of the animals", "the body covering of the animals", "the skull of the animals" ]

3D

Human actions can change the rate at which soil erodes. Which of the following would most likely slow the rate of soil erosion?

[ "applying nitrogen-rich fertilizers", "keeping grasses trimmed short", "building houses on stilts", "planting trees along cliffs" ]

3D

Which ability is the most useful for making observations?

[ "senses", "memory", "creativity", "imagination" ]

0A

Sterling silver is a combination of silver and copper. Which of the following is also a combination of two or more metals?

[ "aluminum.", "lead.", "gold.", "brass." ]

3D

The cows in a rancher's herd of cattle have been selectively bred to produce milk. Which of the following will cause the next generation of cows to receive the trait for producing large quantities of milk?

[ "nutrients in the cows' food", "essential minerals in the cows' water", "electrical impulses in the cows' brains", "information in the cows' chromosomes" ]

3D