Download A FTCE Earth Science Pre-test

Name: ______________________ Class: _________________ Date: _________
ID: A
FTCE Earth Science Pre-test
Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
____
1. The graph below shows the total number of deaths per month caused by lightning in the
United States between 1959 and 1990.
Based on the information on the graph, which prediction about lightning deaths in the
United States in the year 2000 would be most accurate?
a. The greatest number of deaths will occur during summer.
b. Most deaths will occur along the eastern coastline.
c. Most deaths will be the result of hurricanes.
d. The number of deaths will exceed 900.
____
2. In the scientific process investigations are conducted to explore new phenomena, to check
on previous results and to test how well a theory predicts. Which of the following
investigations does not apply to the scientific process?
a. A student designs an experiment to test the affect of blue wavelength of
light on the growth rate of pea plants.
b. A student designs an experiment to test Newton's Second Law of
Thermodynamics.
c. A student designs an experiment without a control to explore why people
are superstitious of Friday the 13th.
d. A student designs an experiment to test the pH of five different samples
of fresh water.
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Name: ______________________
ID: A
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3. It was once believed that Earth was the center of the solar system. Scientists now believe
that the Sun is the center of the solar system with Earth and the other planets revolving
around the Sun. Which of the following indicates the reason for this change?
a. Scientists sometimes change their minds for no reason.
b. New technology and information lead to better explanations.
c. Earth was the center of the Universe many years ago.
d. Change is not part of the scientific process.
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4. Many different groups such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) have conducted research on the ”Greenhouse Effect‘ here on Earth. Each group
has published different conclusions as to the results of an actual effect. Which of the
following best explains why different conclusions were reached?
a. Each research group used the same experiments.
b. Each research group used the same computer simulations.
c. The different research groups will agree on one set of findings.
d. Each research group has their own bias in their research.
____
5. Early explanations of the structure and nature of atoms described them as solid,
indestructible spheres. We now know that atoms contain many types of smaller,
subatomic particles arranged with in a lot of empty space. Each new model of the atom
was the result of experimentation and yet each was criticized. What is the result of this
criticism?
a. Scientists keep looking for better explanations for their observations.
b. Scientific theories never change.
c. New data always supports old theories.
d. Criticism discourages further study.
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6. The government has decided that it has enough money to fund one piece of technology
in Florida. You are being ask, as a scientist, to determine where the money should go.
Considering that you live in Florida, which of the following technology is more
important to your community?
a. Different experiments may result in conflicting results
b. The experiments may be designed to get predetermined answers.
c. Personal views may interfere with results.
d. All of the above.
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7. A precise measurement is one that:
a. contains the correct number of significant figures.
b. contains at least three significant figures.
c. is close to the true value.
d. is as exact as possible.
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ID: A
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8. In the classroom during a visual inspection of a rock, a student recorded four statements
about the rock. Which statement about the rock is an observation?
a. The rock formed deep in the Earth’s interior.
b. The rock dates from the Precambrian Era.
c. The rock cooled very rapidly.
d. The rock is black and shiny.
____
9. Which statement made by a student after examining a rock specimen is an inference?
a. The rock contains large crystals.
b. The rock is of igneous origin.
c. The rock has rounded edges.
d. The rock is light-colored.
____
10.
Look at
the figures above. Identify which figure is an Earth-centered model of the solar system.
a. Figure 1
b. Figure 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. neither 1 or 2
____
11. Landsat satellites, which are polar orbiting, provides information about the Earth’s
surface using which forms of energy?
a. infrared radiation
b. solar radiation
c. fossil fuels
d. biomass fuels
____
12. You are asked to find the volume of a cube that is 2.5 cm high, 2.65 cm wide, and 3.456 cm long.
How many significant figures should you show in your answer?
a. 1
c. 3
b. 2
d. 4
____
13. A class of 8th grade science students conducting an experiment involving pea plants
collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Which data were qualitative?
a. average height of the plants
b. length of the stems of each plant
c. number of leaves on each plant
d. general appearance of the plants
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Name: ______________________
ID: A
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14. All of the following are lab safety rules EXCEPT:
a. washing your hands after a lab
b. wearing safety goggles when pouring chemicals
c. eating in the lab
d. disposing of chemicals as directed
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15. Suppose a study found that 80% of scientists working for industry-funded labs
determined that toxins in the environment pose no risk to humans or wildlife, but that
80% of scientists working independently determined that toxins are harmful to life in
even the smallest amounts. What might account for the disagreement between these
two groups of scientists?
a. Different experiments may result in conflicting results
b. The experiments may be designed to get predetermined answers.
c. Personal views may interfere with results.
d. All of the above.
____
16. An abrupt change in the speed of seismic waves is an indication that the
a. waves are going into a material with different properties
b. waves are passing through material of the same density
c. shear wave has overtaken the compressional wave
d. seismic waves are colliding
____
17. The moving of weathered rock materials by natural agents is called:
a. weathering
b. erosion
c. abrasion
d. none of the above
____
18. Large crystal size in one of two igneous rocks of similar compositions usually indicates
that the rock with the larger crystals cooled for:
a. a shorter period of time than the other
b. a longer period of time than the other
c. the same amount of time as the others.
d. not enough information given.
____
19. Most metamorphic rocks are formed when:
a. sediments are cemented and compacted
b. magma cools slowly, deep underground
c. flows of lava cool rapidly
d. rocks are subjected to heat and pressure
____
20. Rocks are classified as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic based primarily on their:
a. texture
c. method of formation
b. crystal or gain size
d. mineral composition
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ID: A
21. Although more than 2,000 minerals have been identified, 90% of Earth’s lithosphere is
composed of the 12 minerals listed below.
Rock-Forming Minerals
feldspar
quartz
mica
calcite
hornblende
kaolinite
augite
garnet
magnetite
olivine
pyrite
talc
The best explanation for this fact is that most rocks:
a. are monomineralic
b. are composed only of recrystallized minerals
c. have a number of minerals in common
d. have a 10% nonmineral composition
____
22. Continental crusts are made up chiefly of rocks with a composition similar to that of:
a. basalt
b. limestone
c. granite
d. shale
____
23. Which evidence best supports the concept that the outer core of the earth is in a liquid
state?
a. Primary compressional seismic waves pass through the outer core in
almost in a straight line.
b. Shear waves pass through the outer core in almost a straight line.
c. Primary compressional seismic waves that enter the outer core disappear.
d. Shear waves that enter the outer core disappear.
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ID: A
24. Rocks experience several types of forces at the different types of plate boundaries. These
forces are: tensional, compressional and shearing forces.
In diagram C, which force caused the hanging wall to drop.
a.
b.
____
tensional
compressional
c. shearing
d. not enough information given
25. In 1912, Alfred Wegener proposed his theory of continental drift. Wegener's theory was
debated for several years after its proposal. In the 1960's new discoveries that seemed
unrelated such as earthquakes, volcanoes, magnetism and crustal heat flow lead to the
proposal of seafloor spreading. This new theory added support to Wegener's ideas. The
combination of these two sets of ideas formed the theory of plate tectonics. This
information shows that scientists:
a.
will never change a theory no matter how much evidence there is for that
theory.
b. will accept any theory that seems reasonable.
c. will change or combine theories to fit a wider range of observations.
d. all of the above
____
26. A geologist finds a series of rocks. Layer A contains fossils that are 400 million years old.
Layer B contains fossils that are 650 and 600 million years old. Layer C, which sits on top
of layer A, contains fossils that are 300 million years old. Which statement best describes
the relative age of this series of rocks?
a. Layer B is younger than layer C but older than layer A.
b. Layer A is the youngest of all the layers.
c. Layer C is older than layer B but younger than layer A.
d. Layer A is older than layer C but younger than layer B.
____
27. Which of these factors affects the rate at which rocks weather?
a. Climate
b. Amount of exposed surface area
c. The kind of rock
d. All of these
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ID: A
28. Of the following, the factor of least importance in determining the size of oceans waves is
the:
a.
b.
c.
d.
speed of the wind.
length of time the wind blows.
fetch.
humidity.
____
29. What is the most important factor responsible for the climates of Earth?
a. The distance Earth is from the Sun.
b. The amount of pollution in the atmosphere.
c. The amount of energy received by the Sun.
d. The number of mountains on Earth.
____
30. As you move from lower ground to a much higher elevation, you notice that the air is
cooler. Which statement explains this best?
a. There is more air in higher elevations.
b. The air molecules spread out more in higher altitudes resulting in cooler
air.
c. As you move away from Earth’s surface the air becomes more dense and
therefore, cooler.
d. None of the above.
____
31. There are two variables used to classify a climate. What are these variables?
a. salinity and temperature
b. temperature and moisture
c. temperature and density
d. humidity and moisture
____
32. Many cities have combined sewers, where the street runoff is combined with home
sewage water. In good weather these systems funnel sewage to treatment plants.
During rainstorms, street runoff is combined with sewage. Treatment plants cannot
handle this large volume of water effectively. How does this system affect pollution of
nearby water bodies?
a. The runoff will not affect the water.
b. The runoff will be separated from the sewage.
c. The runoff will be untreated, adding toxins to the water.
d. The runoff will cause the water to increase in temperature.
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Name: ______________________
ID: A
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33. Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and natural gas, which are formed from the decay of
plants and animals over millions of years. Today, most of the energy sources used to
generate electricity are nonrenewable. What is the best definition for a nonrenewable
energy source?
a. Energy that is constantly being replaced.
b. Energy that is generated from biomass.
c. Energy being used up faster than natural processes can replace it.
d. Energy that is plentiful.
____
34. An index fossil is found in two different layers of rock. This indicates the two layers are:
a. unconformities.
b. of similar age.
c. of different ages.
d. overturned.
____
35. The concept that the present is the key to the past is part of the principle of:
a. unconformity.
b. superposition.
c. cross-cutting relationships.
d. uniformitarianism.
____
36. Darwin’s theory of evolution is based on the concept of:
a. very rapid changes in organisms.
b. no in-between life forms.
c. slow changes and natural selection.
d. index fossils and unconformities.
____
37. One cause for the erosion of soil is harvesting of trees for lumber. To
reduce the amount of erosion, engineers and scientists have developed ”reconstituted
lumber‘ which is wood made from logs that aren’t long enough or in good enough
shape to be cut as lumber. Which of the following problems would be solved by the
creation of ”reconstituted lumber?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Soil depletion
Loss of soil nutrients
Soil pollution
Reduction of soil erosion
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Name: ______________________
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38. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are new submersibles that can stay
underwater for any length of time because they have no crew. ROVs have lights,
cameras and manipulator arms. Some are connected to the ship on the surface with a
cable and some are radio controlled. Which of the following is the best reason to use a
ROV?
a.
b.
c.
d.
____
Humans are not put in danger.
ROVs are less expensive.
ROVs can stay under water longer.
All of the above.
39. The development of chlorofluorinated compounds (CFC's) allowed technology to greatly
advance due to its use as a coolant. Many years later it was discovered that CFC's were
actually harmful to the ozone layer. What is a possible benefit that came from this
discovery?
a.
b.
c.
d.
____
ID: A
The ozone layer is used as a buffer zone.
A new method to get rid of the ozone layer was developed.
New products were developed to replace CFC’s.
Products harmful to the ozone layer were developed.
40. Satellites provide continuous pictures of the clouds. These pictures make it possible to
track lows, hurricanes, and even thunderstorms. Satellites are especially valuable over
the ocean, where weather observations are difficult to make by other methods. Why are
radar and weather satellites important in observing the weather?
a.
They observe weather missed by models and assist in early warnings of
dangerous storms..
b. Allow weather to be observed from the ground.
c. They can tell us exactly what to expect from a storm.
d. They provide information on how to prevent hurricanes.
____
41. It is general well known that there are nine planets in our solar system. In order from
the Sun they are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and
Pluto. From the general pattern of orbital distance from the Sun, scientist believe that
there should have been a planet where the asteroid belt now is, between Mars and
Jupiter. Asteroids are probably the stuff from which this planet would have formed. The
group made up of the five planets beyond the asteroid belt are the:
a.
b.
c.
d.
inner planets
red giants
white dwarfs
outer planets
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Name: ______________________
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42. On Earth we use meters and kilometers to measure distances. In space we use
astronomical units and light years. An astronomical unit is equal to 150 million
kilometers, the average distance from Earth to the Sun. A light-year is the distance light
travels in one year which is equal to about 10 trillion kilometers. Which unit would be
used to measure the distance to the nearest star?
a.
b.
c.
d.
____
ID: A
Light-years
astronomical units
both a and b
neither a nor b
43. Scientist now believe that thermonuclear energy is what keeps the sun hot and glowing.
The sun is mostly composed of hydrogen and helium. With temperatures at the center as
high as 15 million oC, the nuclei of the hydrogen atoms have enough energy to cause
them to join or fuse. This process is known as:
a.
b.
c.
d.
magnitude
The Big Bang
nuclear fusion
nuclear fission
____
44. Edwin Hubble noticed an interesting fact about the light coming from most galaxies.
When a star is moving towards you, its wavelengths of light are pushed together causing
a shift in the spectrum towards the blue-violet. A red shift in the spectrum occurs when
an object is moving away from you. The principal evidence for the theory of the
expanding universe is the:
a. expansion of nearby stars
b. explosion of novas
c. the red shift of the galaxies
d. the distribution of cosmic clouds
____
45. Scientist have several theories to explain the formation of the universe and solar system.
It is difficult to obtain evidence to such theories. One way is to observe a wide range of
natural occurrences to discern patterns. One pattern that scientist have observed to
support the big bang hypothesis is:
a. the shape of galaxies.
b. the formation of stars.
c. the red shift in the spectra of galaxies.
d. the ring of fire.
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Name: ______________________
ID: A
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46. The balance between a star's explosive force, its nuclear fusion, and implosive force of its
gravity accounts for all changes in a star's development cycle. The stages in the
development of three categories of stars are based on mass: stars that have approximate
mass of our Sun; stars that are two to three stellar masses and develop into neutron stars;
and stars that are five to six stellar masses and develop into black holes. Our Sun is a
main sequence star. By which sequence do scientist believe the history and probable
future of our Sun is?
a. Nebula, main sequence star, giant, white dwarf.
b. Giant, black hole, main sequence, quasar
c. Pulsar, nebula, white dwarf, main sequence
d. White dwarf, giant, main sequence
____
47. In the diagram below, if the planet is Earth, which season is occurring in the Northern
Hemisphere at location A?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
____
48. Each planet in the solar system receives energy from sun, but because of different
conditions, each planet has different temperature ranges. What would be a cause(s) for
this?
a. The distance the planet is from the sun.
b. The time it takes a planet to orbit the sun.
c. The tilt of a planets axis and the gases in the planet's atmosphere.
d. All of the above.
____
49. Diamond and graphite are two minerals composed totally of carbon. Why are diamond
and graphite so different in physical properties?
a. The atoms of carbon are different
b. Graphite and diamond formed at different ages of the earth.
c. The arrangement of carbon atoms in graphite is different from the
arrangement of carbon atoms in diamond.
d. Graphite is organic and diamond is not.
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ID: A
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50. The surface of Earth has been changing and is changing in many ways. Weathering and
erosion are considered the wearing down of the Earth. What process would be
responsible for mountain building and earthquakes?
a. Solar radiation
b. Plate tectonics
c. Photosynthesis
d. Convection currents
____
51. Use the following diagram to answer questions 51 -53.
Reptiles
Invertebrates
Mammals
Plants
Quaternary
Tertiary
Cretaceous
Jurassic
Triassic
Which group has steadily increased in abundance since the early Triassic Period?
a.
b.
c.
d.
bryozoans
insects
horses
sauropods
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Name: ______________________
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ID: A
52. Which group expanded rapidly during the Cretaceous Period and remained abundant during
the Tertiary and Quaternary periods?
a.
b.
c.
d.
conifers
crocodiles
flowering plants
sauropods
____
53. Which group was more abundant during the Jurassic Period than it is today?
a. bryozoans
b. flowering plants
c. horses
d. pelecyopods
____
54. Use the following diagram to answer questions 54 -55
E
F
G
M
L
J
a.
b.
c.
d.
____
principal of uniformitarianism
principal of superposition
principal of intrusion
principal of cross-cutting relationships
55. Which geological principal is used to determine that layer G is older than layer E?
a. principal of uniformitarianism
b. principal of superposition
c. principal of intrusion
d. principal of cross-cutting relationships
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Name: ______________________
ID: A
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56. Earth's early atmosphere contained little free oxygen. Today's complex organisms need
oxygen to survive. Which of the following reasons could account for oxygen being added
to the atmosphere?
a. Photosynthesis took place in evolving algae.
b. Volcanoes put pure oxygen in the atmosphere.
c. Fish exhale oxygen
d. Early organisms were aerobic.
____
57. A problem associated with the burning of fossil fuels is:
a. increasing the amount of “Greenhouse Effect.”
b. increasing the amount of acid rain.
c. the increasing amount of smog.
d. all of the above.
____
58. Oxbow-shaped swamps are found in the valley of the lower Mississippi River. Which one
of the following sequences explains their origin?
a. oxbow lake, meandering river, cutoff, swamp
b. meandering river, oxbow lake, cutoff, swamp
c. meandering river, cutoff, oxbow lake, swamp
d. oxbow lake, cutoff, meandering river, swamp
____
59. Which of the following effects of glaciation is usually found only in regions of continental
glaciation?
a. striations
b. moraines
c. potholes
d. rounded mountaintops
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ID: A
60. Use the diagram below to answer questions 60 -61.
The process that must occur before the process labeled 2 can occur is called:
a.
b.
c.
d.
transpiration
precipitation
condensation
evaporation
____
61. The process represented by arrow 3 is:
a. transpiration
b. precipitation
c. condensation
d. evaporation
____
62. A coastal town located near a cold-water current would have what kind of climate?
a.
b.
c.
d.
maritime polar
maritime tropical
continental polar
continental tropical
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ID: A
63. Using the map below, which island has the steepest eastern slope?
Contou r Interval = 20 ft.
Scale of Miles
a.
b.
c.
d.
A
B
C
D
____
64. Radio telescopes are used by scientists to pick up radio waves from space. These
telescopes can be made from inexpensive materials or can be far more expensive but
much more exact. It was from radio telescopes that astronomers first heard signals from
pulsars (rotating neutron stars), and quasars ( the most distant objects seen from Earth).
Scientists use radio telescopes to simply listen to space hoping to detect extraterrestrial
communications. Which of the following is the best argument that would be used to
convince Congress that money should be spent on a new radio telescope?
a. The old telescopes are out dated
b. The study of evolving galaxies may help scientist better understand
Earth’s development.
c. There is extraterrestrial life out there, you just need a better telescope.
d. There are not enough radio telescopes in the world.
____
65. How has the construction of canals throughout southern Florida negatively impacted
natural wetland ecosystems?
a. Canals provide additional habitat for endangered species.
b. Canals prevent predators from migrating to other areas.
c. Canals may divert water from wetland areas.
d. Canals prevent waste disposal.
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Name: ______________________
ID: A
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66. An observer measured the air temperature and the dewpoint and found the difference
between them to be 12oC. One hour later, the difference between the air temperature
and the dewpoint was found to be 4oC. Which statement best describes the changes that
were occurring?
a. The relative humidity was decreasing and the chance of precipitation was
decreasing.
b. The relative humidity was increasing and the chance of precipitation was
decreasing.
c. The relative humidity was decreasing and the chance of precipitation was
increasing.
d. The relative humidity was increasing and the chance of precipitation was
increasing.
____
67. Two cities are located at the same latitude and elevation, but at different longitudes. One
city, located in the center of the United States, has cooler winters and warmer summers
than the other city, which is located near the coast. Which statement best explains these
seasonal changes?
a. The air over continents is drier than the air over oceans.
b. A large body of water modifies coastal air temperatures.
c. Cold air masses usually originate over continents.
d. Warm ocean currents flow along most coastlines.
____
68. Which features are commonly formed at the plate boundaries where continental crust
converges with oceanic crust?
a. An underwater volcanic mountain range and rift valley on the ocean ridge
near the coast.
b. Large volcanic mountain ranges parallel to the coast at the center of the
continents.
c. A deep ocean trench and a continental volcanic mountain range near the
coast.
d. Long chains of mid-ocean volcanic islands perpendicular to the coast.
____
69. Which statement best supports the theory that all the continents were once a single
landmass?
a. Great thicknesses of shallow-water sediments are found at interior
locations on some continents.
b. Rock and fossil correlation can be made where the continents appear to fit
together.
c. Marine fossils can be found at high elevations above sea level on all
continents.
d. Rocks of the ocean ridges are older than those of the adjacent sea floor.
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Name: ______________________
ID: A
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70. In the early 1900’s, scientists believed that the continents and ocean basins were fixed
features of the Earth’s surface. Rock formations, fossils and climatic evidence proved this
was wrong and gave evidence to the:
a. Theory of punctuated equilibrium
b. Law of Universal Gravity
c. Theory of Plate Tectonics
d. Idea of mountain formation
____
71. The diagram below show the alignment of the sun, earth and moon, and its influence on
the oceans. What information may be determined from this diagram?
a.
b.
c.
d.
____
Only the moon causes a tidal bulge
Only the sun causes a tidal bulge
Both the moon and the sun cause tidal bulges
Neither the moon or the sun are responsible for tidal bulges
72. The large coal fields found in Pennsylvania provides evidence that climate of the
northeastern United States was much warmer during the Carboniferous Period. This
change over time is best explained by the:
a. changes in the environment caused by humans.
b. movements of the tectonic plates.
c. effects of seasons.
d. evolution of life.
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Name: ______________________
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ID: A
73. A scientist is using radiometric dating to determine the ages of four rock samples. The
ratios below compare the amount of parent isotopes to the amount of daughter isotopes.
According to the data, which is the oldest?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Rock A is the oldest.
Rock B is the oldest.
Rock C is the oldest.
Rock D is the oldest.
____
74. Many experts predict that by 2050 drinkable water will be a scarce resource in many
areas, even though the total amount of water in the world cannot change. which factor
would help decrease this problem?
a. In creased drilling for underground water.
b. Slower human population growth.
c. More use of bottled water.
d. Increase fossil fuel use.
____
75. Black holes are high-gravity objects that can suck in entire stars. They emit no light. How
have scientists devised a way to locate and study them?
a. Use of telescopes such as the Hubble Space telescope, which takes pictures
created by visible light and gamma rays above Earth’s atmosphere.
b. Use of the Very Large Array, which uses interferometry to analyze
infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
c. Use of the Chandra telescope, which examines X-rays above Earth’s
atmosphere by using Reflecting telescopes.
d. By using Reflecting telescopes.
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Name: ______________________
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76. The Moon has an approximate 28-day orbit around Earth. The amount of light reflected
from the Sun to Earth is what characterizes the Moon’s appearance, called moon phases.
During which phase would the Moon be farthest away from the Sun?
a.
b.
c.
d.
____
ID: A
Full moon
First Quarter
Third Quarter
New Moon
77.
Look at the diagram above. At position A in the diagram, what is occurring with Earth’s
moon?
a. The moon is full.
b. It is a new moon.
c. There is a solar eclipse.
d. There is a lunar eclipse.
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Name: ______________________
____
ID: A
78. The HR-graph below shows the relationship between the absolute brightness and
temperature of stars that are visible from Earth. Mass decreases from left to right.
Compare the brightness and temperature of a Supergiant star to that of White Dwarf.
a.
b.
c.
d.
A Supergiant is brighter and cooler than a white dwarf.
A White Dwarf is brighter and cooler than a Supergiant.
A White Dwarf is hotter and brighter than a Supergiant.
A Supergiant is hotter and brighter than a White Dwarf.
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Name: ______________________
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ID: A
79. The cross section below shows sedimentary rocks being eroded by water at a waterfall.
The sedimentary rock layers are being weathered and eroded at different rates primarily
because the rock layers:
a.
b.
c.
d.
____
formed during different time periods.
contain different fossils.
have different compositions.
are horizontal.
80. Clay, silt, and sand are added to a jar of water. The jar is shaken and then allowed to
stand quietly for a number of hours. The result of this demonstration could be best used
as a model to show that:
a.
b.
c.
d.
particles with the lowest density settle the fastest.
particles with the largest diameter settle the fastest.
water has a higher specific gravity than clay, silt and sand.
the bottom layer of a series of sediments is the youngest.
____
81. Which statement best describes a stream with a steep gradient?
a. It flows slowly, producing a V-shaped valley.
b. It flows slowly, producing a U-shaped valley.
c. It flows rapidly, producing a V-shaped valley.
d. It flows rapidly, producing a U-shaped valley.
____
82. Which statement best describes the relationship between the travel times of seismic
waves from an earthquake’s focus to a seismic station?
a. P-waves travel more slowly than S-waves and take less time to reach the
station.
b. P-waves travel more quickly than S-waves and take less time to reach the
station.
c. S-waves travel more slowly than P-waves and take less time to reach the
station.
d. S-waves travel more quickly than P-waves and take less time to reach the
station.
22
Name: ______________________
ID: A
____
83. The most abundant ions in seawater are:
a. sulfate and calcium.
b. potassium and magnesium.
c. calcium and bicarbonate.
d. chloride and sodium.
____
84. The ocean current that flows along the west coast of South America carries:
a. warm water toward the equator.
b. cold water toward the equator.
c. warm water away from the equator.
d. cold water away from the equator.
____
85. There are four regions of the ocean bottom. In which list are these regions arranged in
order of gradient from least steep to most steep?
a. rise--->abyssal plain--->shelf--->slope
b. slope--->rise--->shelf--->abyssal plain
c. abyssal plain--->shelf--->rise--->slope
d. shelf--->abyssal plain--->rise--->slope
____
86. The end of the last ice age was approximately 10,000 years ago. What has happened to
sea level since then?
a. It has fallen about 10-15 cm.
b. It has fallen about 130 m.
c. It has risen about 130 m.
d. It has not changed.
____
87. Which of the following coastal landforms is produced by sediment deposition?
a. wave-cut cliff
b. sea stack
c. sea arch
d. baymount bar
____
88. The action of a tree root splitting bedrock is an example of:
a. chemical weathering.
b. deposition.
c. erosion.
d. physical weathering.
____
89. On a topographic map, contour lines that are far apart indicate:
a. stable weather conditions.
b. a slow change in atmospheric pressure.
c. a gradual change in elevation.
d. a abrupt change in elevation.
23
Name: ______________________
ID: A
____
90. Which characteristics of Earth’s surface can be determined by using a topographic map?
a. hill slope and stream gradients
b. bedrock erosion and stream velocity
c. hilltop elevations and bedrock age
d. soil thickness and benchmark movement
____
91. The melaleuca tree was imported to Florida from Australia in hopes that it would destroy
the Everglades. Since melaleuca trees absorb a great deal of water, real estate developers
hoped that they would dry up the wetlands and make them suitable for development.
Today the trees are spread throughout all of Florida displacing native species and
threatening the Everglades. This experience shows that:
a.
b.
c.
d.
____
disruptions of ecosystems can have unforeseen consequences.
scientists had no knowledge of the melaleuca’s habitat needs.
native plants can quickly evolve defenses against exotic species.
conservation groups should limit quotas set for each species.
92. The Universe is a vast area. Each component of the Universe is different from the other
components. Astronomers use a system for classifying each of the components. For
example; the Milky Way galaxy is one of many types of galaxies. What is the correct
order of celestial bodies from small to large?
a.
b.
c.
d.
galaxies, planets, groups, cluster, systems
groups, cluster, systems, planets, galaxies
planets, systems,galaxies, groups, clusters
clusters, galaxies, planets, systems, groups
____
93. According to geologists, the Atlantic Ocean covered much less land 18,000 years ago. As
a result, the East Coast of the United States extended well into the Atlantic Ocean. Which
of the following explains how this was possible?
a. Earth’s average temperature was colder, freezing 30 percent of Earth’s
water.
b. Continental shifts caused an increase in sea level for most of the East
Coast.
c. The Moon was much closer to Earth 18,000 years ago, so the tides were
greater.
d. Earth’s temperature was warmer, causing a high rate of evaporation that
lowered ocean levels.
____
94. Auroras form only at the Earth’s poles because:
a. there are holes in the atmosphere at the poles.
b. the sun directs solar wind at the poles.
c. there is less visible sunlight at the poles.
d. the Earth’s magnetic filed directs charged particles to the poles.
24
Name: ______________________
ID: A
____
95. Hawaiian volcanoes erupt somewhat actively because their:
a. vents are blocked.
b. vents are open.
c. .magma contains a large amount of minerals.
d. magma contains a large amount of gas.
____
96. The water that forms artesian wells, springs and geysers originally comes from the:
a. water table.
b. impermeable rock layer.
c. zone of saturation
d. zone of aeration.
____
97. The South Florida watershed consists of three major features. Which is the correct order
of these features from North to South?
a. Everglades - Lake Okeechobee - Kissimmee River
b. Lake Okeechobee - Kissimmee River - Everglades
c. Kissimmee River - Lake Okeechobee - Everglades
d. Everglades - Kissimmee River - Lake Okeechobee
____
98. thermohaline circulation is caused by:
a. temperature differences between seawater only.
b. salinity differences between seawater only.
c. variations in seawater density caused by both temperature and salinity
differences.
d. None of the above.
____
99. Which of the following sequences of events of placing a man on the moon is correctly
listed from first to last?
a. land on moon, put man in space, orbit earth
b. orbit earth, put man in space, land on moon
c. put man in space, land on moon, orbit earth
d. put man in space, orbit earth, land on moon
____ 100. At the seashore, breezes at night tend to blow from the land toward the water because
the air above water:
a. exert more pressure than the air above the land.
b. is more dense then the air above the land .
c. is warmer then the air above the land.
d. is colder than the air above the land.
____ 101. In the United States, polar air moves farther south in the winter in part because:
a. more polar air masses form.
b. the jet streams move farther south.
c. many low-pressure systems form.
d. the jet streams are near the U.S. - Canadian border.
25
Name: ______________________
ID: A
____ 102. What are the three possible outcomes for the universe?
a. open universe, closed universe, and flat universe
b. expanding universe, closed universe, and flat universe
c. open universe, closed universe, and static universe
d. open universe, barred universe, and flat universe
____ 103. By measuring redshifts of the most remote galaxies, it is possible for astronomers to
determine the:
a. Doppler shifts.
b. absolute magnitudes.
c. expansion rate of long ago.
d. apparent magnitudes.
____ 104. Which of the following does NOT influence climate?
a. latitude
b. satellites
c. mountains
d. large bodies of water
____ 105. Which of the following is not a natural cause of long-term climatic change?
a. solar activity
b. industrialization
c. changes in the tilt of Earth’s axis
d. changes in Earth’s rotation
____ 106. Which greenhouse gas is most associated with global warming?
a. methane
b. ozone
c. carbon dioxide
d. carbon monoxide
____ 107. El Nino develops because of weakening of what?
a. the polar front
b. the trade winds
c. the prevailing westerlies
d. the jet stream
____ 108. Which of the following does the existence of the cosmic background radiation support?
a. critical density
b. the steady-state theory
c. the inflationary model
d. the Big Bang theory
26
Name: ______________________
ID: A
____ 109. Which of the following is NOT characteristic of a high-pressure system?
a. sinking air
b. dense air
c. fair weather
d. thunderstorms
____ 110. Dumping sludge into the oceans causes environmental concerns including:
a. eutrophication
b. countercurrent backflow
c. pathogen resurgence
d. none of the above
____ 111. Answer the following questions based on the weather chart below.
a.
b.
c.
d.
A
B
C
D
27
Name: ______________________
ID: A
____ 112. In the diagram below, a section of a meandering stream is shown. What occurs at the areas labeled?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Erosion
Deposition
alluvial fan
oxbow
____ 113. Which of the remote satellites would most likely be used to detect a large fire burning on
Earth’s surface?
a. Landsat
b. Radio-navigation
c. Sonar
d. Topex
28
ID: A
FTCE Earth Science Pre-test
Answer Section
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1.
2.
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D
C
B
D
A
D
D
D
B
B
A
B
D
C
D
A
B
B
D
C
C
C
D
A
C
D
D
D
C
B
B
C
C
B
D
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C
D
D
C
A
D
A
C
C
C
A
B
C
C
B
B
C
A
D
B
A
D
C
D
C
A
A
D
B
C
D
B
C
B
C
C
B
D
B
C
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1
1
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ID: A
76.
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113.
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A
D
A
C
B
C
B
D
B
C
C
D
D
C
A
A
C
A
D
D
C
C
C
D
C
B
A
C
B
B
C
B
D
D
A
A
B
A
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1
1
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1
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1
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1
3