Ocean 115 - Introduction to Oceanography » Fall 2021 » Chapter 1 Introduction to Planet Earth
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Question #1
Which of the following is the largest natural geographic feature on Earth?
A.
Antarctica
B.
Pacific Ocean
C.
Amazon Rainforest
D.
Great Barrier Reef
E.
Grand Canyon
Question #2
Which of the following has the deepest waters?
A.
Pacific Ocean
B.
Arctic Ocean
C.
Mediterranean Sea
D.
Atlantic Ocean
E.
Lake Baikal
Question #3
Which ocean basin is currently covered by extensive sea ice for much of the year?
A.
Arctic
B.
Atlantic Ocean
C.
Indian Ocean
D.
Pacific
E.
Southern Ocean
Question #4
Waters from which ocean basins combine to form the Southern Ocean?
A.
Arctic, Caspian Sea, Pacific
B.
Arctic, Caspian Sea, Atlantic
C.
Arctic, Caspian Sea
D.
Pacific, Indian, Atlantic
Question #5
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding Earth’s oceans?
A.
The Arctic is a continent surrounded by land, whereas the Antarctic is an ocean surrounded by continents. The Indian Ocean is about 7% the size of the Pacific Ocean.
B.
The Arctic is a continent surrounded by land, whereas the Antarctic is an ocean surrounded by continents. The Indian Ocean is about 7% the size of the Pacific Ocean. NASA satellites fly over Antarctica.
C.
NASA satellites fly over Antarctica. Earth’s ocean is one big interconnected body of water. The Southern Ocean is one of the least-studied areas on planet Earth.
D.
The Southern Ocean is one of the least-studied areas on planet Earth. The Arctic is a continent surrounded by land, whereas the Antarctic is an ocean surrounded by continents. The Indian Ocean is about 7% the size of the Pacific Ocean.
Question #6
Which of the following statements about the characteristics of the world’s oceans is/are true?
A.
The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the oceans. The Southern Ocean is at the southernmost point of the globe. The majority of the Indian Ocean is in the Northern Hemisphere.
B.
The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the oceans. The deepest areas of the world’s oceans are found in the Pacific Ocean. The Arctic Ocean is the shallowest ocean.
C.
The Southern Ocean is at the southernmost point of the globe. The Arctic Ocean is the shallowest ocean. The majority of the Indian Ocean is in the Northern Hemisphere.
D.
The Southern Ocean is at the southernmost point of the globe. The majority of the Indian Ocean is in the Northern Hemisphere.
Question #7
How did the view of the ocean by early Mediterranean cultures influence the naming of planet Earth?
A.
Mediterranean cultures believed Earth was composed of small land masses surrounded by marginal bodies of water.
B.
Mediterranean cultures believed Earth was composed of large land masses surrounded by marginal bodies of water.
C.
Mediterranean cultures believed Earth was composed of small land masses surrounded by large bodies of water.
D.
Mediterranean cultures believed Earth was composed of large land masses surrounded by large bodies of water.
Question #8
What is the difference between an ocean and a sea?
A.
Seas are bodies of water that are composed of salt water, but they are enclosed by land and therefore not directly connected to the world ocean.
B.
There is no difference between oceans and seas.
C.
Seas are larger and deeper bodies of water that are composed of both fresh and salt water, and they are directly connected to the world ocean.
D.
Seas are smaller and shallower bodies of salt water that are somewhat enclosed by land, but they are directly connected to the world ocean.
E.
Seas are smaller, shallower, composed of freshwater, and are somewhat enclosed by land.
Question #9
How deep is the Mariana Trench (the deepest part of the ocean) compared to Mount Everest (the tallest mountain on Earth)?
A.
The Mariana Trench is shallower than the average height of mountains on land.
B.
The Mariana Trench and Mount Everest are similar in depth and height.
C.
Mount Everest and the average depth of the oceans are similar in height above sea level and ocean depth, respectively.
D.
The Mariana Trench is thousands of meters shallower than Mount Everest is tall.
E.
The Mariana Trench is thousands of meters deeper than Mount Everest is tall.
Question #10
The largest geographic feature on the surface of Earth is __________.
A.
the Pacific Ocean
B.
Africa
C.
the Atlantic Ocean
D.
Eurasia
E.
the Antarctic ice cap
Question #11
Which ocean is the smallest and shallowest?
A.
Indian
B.
Atlantic
C.
Arctic
D.
Pacific
E.
Southern
Question #12
Which of the following is not a sea?
A.
The Red Sea
B.
The Black Sea
C.
The Mediterranean Sea
D.
The Adriatic Sea
E.
The Yellow Sea
Question #13
The oceans cover approximately ________ percent of the Earth's surface.
A.
50
B.
80
C.
60
D.
90
E.
70
Question #14
Which ocean is the smallest?
A.
Indian Ocean
B.
Arctic Ocean
C.
Pacific Ocean
D.
Atlantic Ocean
E.
Southern Ocean
Question #15
A.
150
B.
250
C.
50
D.
100
E.
200
Question #16
The deepest part of the ocean is the Mariana Trench; it has been visited by humans twice in which two years?
A.
1930 and 1998
B.
1950 and 2010
C.
1970 and 2014
D.
1940 and 2000
E.
1960 and 2012
Question #17
The four principal ocean basins (plus an additional ocean) on Earth are the:
A.
Atlantic, Antarctic, Southern, Mediterranean, and Pacific Oceans.
B.
Antarctic, Caspian, Southern, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
C.
Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans.
D.
Atlantic, Arctic, Mediterranean, Southern, and Pacific Oceans.
E.
Antarctic, Arctic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern Oceans.
Question #18
The largest of the ocean basins, which currently covers more than half of the ocean surface, is the:
A.
Indian Ocean.
B.
Southern Ocean.
C.
Arctic Ocean.
D.
Pacific Ocean.
E.
Atlantic Ocean.
Question #19
The average depth of the world's oceans is approximately ________.
A.
2,172 meters (7,126 feet)
B.
3,682 meters (12,080 feet)
C.
11,022 meters (36,161 feet)
D.
5,280 meters (17,323 feet)
E.
840 meters (2,756 feet)
Question #20
Which of the following is TRUE concerning the deepest part of the ocean?
A.
The bottom of this trench has never been reached by a submersible.
B.
The deepest part of the ocean is located in a trench off the coast of Japan.
C.
The depth of this trench is estimated at 15,000 meters.
D.
This trench is called the Philippine Trench.
E.
The depth of this trench exceeds the height of Mount Everest.
Question #21
Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A.
Pacific
B.
Atlantic
C.
Arctic
D.
Indian
E.
Mediterranean
Question #22
Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A.
Indian
B.
Adriatic
C.
Mediterranean
D.
Caspian
E.
Black
Question #23
Our world ocean can be divided into four principal oceans plus an additional ocean, based on the ________ of the ocean basins and the ________ of the continents.
A.
shape; position
B.
depth; elevation
C.
position; latitude
D.
size; shape
Question #24
Which of the following statements about the Pacific Ocean is TRUE?
A.
The Pacific Ocean is the second largest geographic feature on the planet.
B.
The Pacific Ocean covers more than two-thirds of the ocean surface area on Earth.
C.
All of the continents could fit into the space occupied by the Pacific Ocean.
D.
The Pacific Ocean spans more than one-half of Earth's entire surface.
E.
The Pacific Ocean is about three times larger than the next largest ocean.
Question #25
Which ocean covers more than half of the ocean surface area on Earth?
A.
The Antarctic Ocean
B.
The Pacific Ocean
C.
The Atlantic Ocean
D.
The Southern Ocean
E.
The Indian Ocean
Question #26
Which ocean is the single largest geographic feature on the planet?
A.
The Antarctic Ocean
B.
The Indian Ocean
C.
The Atlantic Ocean
D.
The Southern Ocean
E.
The Pacific Ocean
Question #27
Which ocean is the deepest ocean in the world?
A.
The Antarctic Ocean
B.
The Southern Ocean
C.
The Atlantic Ocean
D.
The Indian Ocean
E.
The Pacific Ocean
Question #28
Which ocean's name comes from a word meaning peace?
A.
The Atlantic Ocean
B.
The Pacific Ocean
C.
The Antarctic Ocean
D.
The Indian Ocean
E.
The Arctic Ocean
Question #29
Which ocean is similar in size and average depth to the Indian Ocean?
A.
The Southern Ocean
B.
The Pacific Ocean
C.
The Arctic Ocean
D.
The Atlantic Ocean
Question #30
Which ocean is mostly, but not entirely, in the southern hemisphere?
A.
The Pacific Ocean
B.
The Antarctic Ocean
C.
The Arctic Ocean
D.
The Indian Ocean
E.
The Atlantic Ocean
Question #31
Which ocean is the shallowest ocean in the world?
A.
The Indian Ocean
B.
The Pacific Ocean
C.
The Atlantic Ocean
D.
The Arctic Ocean
E.
The Antarctic Ocean
Question #32
Based on definition, it is more appropriate to consider which ocean as a sea?
A.
The Indian Ocean
B.
The Atlantic Ocean
C.
The Antarctic Ocean
D.
The Pacific Ocean
E.
The Arctic Ocean
Question #33
Which ocean is actually a part of three other oceans?
A.
The Indian Ocean
B.
The Pacific Ocean
C.
The Arctic Ocean
D.
The Southern Ocean
E.
The Atlantic Ocean
Question #34
Which of the following modern seven seas was also recognized by pre-15th century Europeans as one of their seven seas?
A.
The Red Sea
B.
The Caspian Sea
C.
The Black Sea
D.
The Mediterranean Sea
E.
The Indian Ocean
Question #35
Which ocean was considered by 14th century Europeans to be one of the seven seas?
A.
The Pacific Ocean
B.
The Arctic Ocean
C.
The Indian Ocean
D.
The Atlantic Ocean
Question #36
Rank the four principle oceans from smallest to largest, in terms of size.
A.
Arctic, Indian, Pacific, Atlantic
B.
Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific
C.
Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian
D.
Indian, Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific
E.
Arctic, Indian, Atlantic, Pacific
Question #37
Which of the following statements about the average depths of the four principle oceans is correct?
A.
The average depths of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are very similar and are much deeper than the Indian and Arctic Oceans.
B.
The average depths of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans are very similar, while the depth of the Arctic Ocean is much shallower than the other three.
C.
All four principle oceans have similar average depths.
D.
The average depth of the Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic Oceans is similar, while the average depth of the Pacific Ocean is much greater.
Question #38
A.
About half the surface area on Earth is covered with oceans and half is covered with land.
B.
The Pacific Ocean covers more of Earth’s surface than all the land combined.
C.
On Earth, the average depth of the oceans is less than the average height of the land.
D.
The tallest point on land, Mt. Everest, is much taller than the ocean is deep.
Question #39
_______ were some of the first navigators; they used stick charts to navigate the sea.
A.
Arabs
B.
Phoenicians
C.
Pacific Islanders
D.
Greeks
Question #40
______ were the first humans from the Western Hemisphere to develop the art of navigation.
A.
Vikings
B.
Arabs
C.
Phoenicians
D.
Greeks
Question #41
_______ used the polar North Star to determine latitude (distance from the equator).
A.
Greeks
B.
Vikings
C.
Pacific Islanders
D.
Phoenicians
Question #42
_____were the dominant navigators of the Mediterranean Sea in the Middle Ages.
A.
Vikings
B.
Arabs
C.
Pacific Islanders
D.
Phoenicians
Question #43
_______ possessed excellent ships and good navigation skills to actively explore the Atlantic Ocean in the late 10th century.
A.
Greeks
B.
Phoenicians
C.
Arabs
D.
Vikings
Question #44
__________ was an Italian navigator who made a total of four trips across the Atlantic. He was erroneously credited with discovering North America.
A.
Captain James Cook
B.
Christopher Columbus
Question #45
___________ was an English navigator who determined the outline of the Pacific Ocean and was the first person known to cross the Antarctic Circle.
A.
Christopher Columbus
B.
Captain James Cook
Question #46
The important contribution to navigation made by Eratosthenes in the third century BCE was __________.
A.
a reasonably accurate calculation of the circumference of our planet
B.
devising a means of fixing longitude while at sea
C.
the introduction of latitude and longitude lines on maps of the world
D.
discovery of a trade route from Europe around the African continent to India
E.
exploration outside the Mediterranean Sea and into the North Atlantic Ocean
Question #47
The explorer who advanced oceanography by introducing systematic soundings, or depth measurements, was __________.
A.
Christopher Columbus
B.
Leif Erikson
C.
James Cook
D.
James Cameron
E.
Juan Sebastian del Cano
Question #48
Which of the following was not a ship of Captain James Cook's?
A.
Resolution
B.
Endeavour
C.
Adventure
D.
Discovery
Question #49
What is scurvy?
A.
Vitamin B deficiency
B.
Vitamin E deficiency
C.
Vitamin A deficiency
D.
Vitamin D deficiency
E.
Vitamin C deficiency
Question #50
Captain James Cook's second voyage took place during which years?
A.
1776-1780
B.
1750-1754
C.
1780-1783
D.
1772-1775
E.
1768-1771
Question #51
Which explorer was not known in the Age of the Discovery in Europe?
A.
Vasco da Gama
B.
Christopher Columbus
C.
Ferdinand Magellan
D.
Leif Eriksson
E.
John Cabot
Question #52
Which European navigator was known for using a simple method for determining latitude in the Northern Hemisphere?
A.
Claudius Ptolemy
B.
Erathosthenes
C.
Pytheas
D.
Phoenicians
Question #53
The Library of Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great, where is it located?
A.
Turkey
B.
Syria
C.
Greece
D.
Libya
E.
Egypt
Question #54
The first humans from Western Hemisphere known to have developed the art of navigation were the:
A.
New Zealanders.
B.
Vikings.
C.
Phoenicians.
D.
Polynesians.
E.
Greeks.
Question #55
The method of determining latitude in the Northern Hemisphere by measuring the angle between an observer's line of site to the North Star and line of site to the northern horizon was developed by:
A.
Ptolemy.
B.
Pytheas.
C.
Herodotus.
D.
Seneca.
E.
Eratosthenes.
Question #56
The first person we are aware of who determined the circumference of the Earth using trigonometry and the angle of sunlight at Alexandria, Egypt, was:
A.
Herodotus.
B.
Seneca.
C.
Ptolemy.
D.
Eratosthenes.
E.
Pytheas.
Question #57
Most of the explorations by northern and western Europeans during the Middle (Dark) Ages were undertaken by:
A.
Spain.
B.
Vikings of Scandinavia.
C.
France.
D.
Portugal.
E.
Italy.
Question #58
The European "Age of Discovery" began with:
A.
Phoenician exploration of the Mediterranean.
B.
Polynesian colonization of Pacific Islands.
C.
Christopher Columbus's discovery of the "New World."
D.
Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe.
E.
Viking voyages to North America.
Question #59
The European "Age of Discovery" ended with:
A.
Viking voyages to North America.
B.
Phoenician exploration of the Mediterranean.
C.
Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe.
D.
Christopher Columbus's discovery of the "New World."
E.
Polynesian colonization of Pacific Islands.
Question #60
Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A.
Herodotus
B.
Pytheas
C.
Eratosthenes
D.
Ptolemy
E.
Magellan
Question #61
Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A.
Vasco de Gama
B.
Ptolemy
C.
Christopher Columbus
D.
John Cabot
E.
Ferdinand Magellan
Question #62
Archeological evidence suggests that boat technology was developed about ________ years ago.
A.
400,000
B.
5,000
C.
40,000
D.
4,000,000
Question #63
Which of the following parts of Polynesia was populated last?
A.
Marquesas
B.
Easter Island
C.
Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa
D.
New Zealand
E.
Hawaiian Islands
Question #64
Which of the following parts of Polynesia was populated first?
A.
Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa
B.
Easter Island
C.
Hawaiian Islands
D.
Marquesas
E.
New Zealand
Question #65
The first recorded circumnavigation of Africa was made by the ________.
A.
Greeks
B.
Chinese
C.
Phoenicians
D.
Polynesians
Question #66
Who is credited with being the first person to accurately determine Earth's circumference?
A.
Erik Thorvaldson
B.
Christopher Columbus
C.
Eratosthenes
D.
Claudius Ptolemy
E.
Pytheas
Question #67
Which of the following Vikings is credited with discovering Greenland?
A.
Bjarni Herjolfsson
B.
Thor Heyerdahl
C.
Erik Thorvaldson
D.
Leif Eriksson
Question #68
Who of the following is thought to be the first Viking to have seen what is now called Newfoundland?
A.
Erik Thorvaldson
B.
Prince Henry the Navigator
C.
Leif Eriksson
D.
Thor Heyerdahl
E.
Bjarni Herjolfsson
Question #69
Who sailed from Europe around the tip of Africa to India and established a new trade route?
A.
Vasco da Gama
B.
Giovanni Caboto
C.
Juan Sebastian del Caño
D.
Ferdinand Magellan
E.
Vasco Nunez de Balboa
Question #70
Who is credited with being the first European to see the Pacific Ocean?
A.
Ferdinand Magellan
B.
Vasco Nunez de Balboa
C.
Juan Sebastian del Caño
D.
Vasco da Gama
E.
James Cook
Question #71
Who was killed in Hawaii during his last sea voyage after a skirmish with local people?
A.
Ferdinand Magellan
B.
James Cook
C.
Giovanni Caboto
D.
Prince Henry the Navigator
E.
Vasco da Gama
Question #72
Who was killed in the Philippines during his last sea voyage after a skirmish with local people?
A.
Prince Henry the Navigator
B.
Ferdinand Magellan
C.
Giovanni Caboto
D.
James Cook
E.
Vasco da Gama
Question #73
Who left Spain in September 1519 and became the first person to complete a circumnavigation of the globe when he returned to Spain three years later?
A.
Vasco Nunez de Balboa
B.
Giovanni Caboto
C.
Ferdinand Magellan
D.
Juan Sebastian del Caño
E.
Vasco da Gama
Question #74
Prior to 1768, which of the following claimed the most human lives at sea?
A.
Scurvy
B.
Gunfire
C.
Contagious disease
D.
Shipwreck
Question #75
Consider an interdisciplinary study that is aimed at understanding how ocean currents affect the distribution of coral larvae. What two disciplines of oceanography would the researchers be focused on?
A.
Biological and chemical oceanography
B.
Chemical and geological oceanography
C.
Geological and physical oceanography
D.
Chemical and physical oceanography
E.
Biological and physical oceanography
Question #76
What does NOAA stand for?
A.
National Oceanic and Atlas Association
B.
National Oceanic and Atlas Administration
C.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
D.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association
Question #77
When was the term "oceanography" first coined?
A.
1900s
B.
1870s
C.
1890s
D.
2000s
E.
1850s
Question #78
Oceanography is divided into four different academic disciplines or subfields of study. Which one is not mentioned in the textbook?
A.
Geological oceanography
B.
Historical oceanography
C.
Biological oceanography
D.
Physical oceanography
E.
Chemical oceanography
Question #79
Oceanography is considered to be an interdisciplinary science with a chemistry component. Which of the following is not a part of chemistry?
A.
Temperature dependence
B.
Chemical tracers
C.
Stratification/density
D.
Dissolved components
E.
Microbiology
Question #80
The study of the structure of the sea floor and how the sea floor has changed through time is an example of ________ oceanography.
A.
physical
B.
chemical
C.
archaeological
D.
biological
E.
geological
Question #81
The study of the transmission of light and sound in the oceans is an example of ________ oceanography.
A.
geological
B.
archaeological
C.
physical
D.
chemical
E.
biological
Question #82
What are the major steps involved in the process of science?
A.
Observation, hypothesis, testing, and truth
B.
Theory, hypothesis, falsification, and law
C.
Observation, hypothesis, testing, and theory
D.
Guess, testing, hypothesis, and theory
E.
Symposia, testing, hypothesis, and theory
Question #83
What does the process of science begin with?
A.
Observation(s)
B.
Absolute truth
C.
Hypotheses
D.
Testing
E.
Theory
Question #84
In science, which one of the following would be considered an observation?
A.
Waves approach the beach at an angle.
B.
Waves are the result of a disturbance (release of energy) somewhere in the ocean.
C.
Waves are usually caused by a distant storm.
D.
Waves lose little energy as they travel across the ocean.
E.
Waves transfer wind energy from the surface to deeper water.
Question #85
Which of the following would best describe the principal goal of science?
A.
To develop theories that help scientists determine the truth
B.
To explain why the world and the laws of nature exist
C.
To allow scientists to test their hypotheses with experiments
D.
To determine what happened in the past
E.
To explain the causes and effects of observable natural phenomena
Question #86
A tentative, testable statement about the general nature of a phenomenon is called a(n) ________.
A.
guess
B.
law
C.
hypothesis
D.
observation
E.
theory
Question #87
________ are events and phenomena that we can detect with our senses.
A.
Hypothesis
B.
Observations
C.
Guesses
D.
Laws
E.
Theories
Question #88
Plate tectonics and evolution, which are held with a high degree of confidence because of rigorous testing and verification, are examples of:
A.
laws.
B.
guesses.
C.
hypotheses.
D.
theories.
E.
observations.
Question #89
Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A.
Hypothesis
B.
Theory
C.
Testing
D.
Observation
E.
Belief
Question #90
Which is the first step of the scientific method?
A.
testing
B.
theory
C.
observation
D.
prediction
E.
hypothesis
Question #91
What is a scientific theory?
A.
an educated guess
B.
a well-substantiated explanation that is supported by facts, laws, tested hypotheses and logical inferences
C.
a hypothesis that has been tested once
D.
an idea that is supported by a majority of the population
E.
an explanation that is supported by political leaders and popular media
Question #92
What would be the next step you would need to take to advance your understanding of the sea hare ink response to the next level of scientific inquiry?
A.
prediction
B.
observation
C.
theory
D.
testing
E.
hypothesis
Question #93
Which one of the following specific locations would have been the best place for the researchers to observe the breaching whales and why?
A.
A location right on the beach close to the migration route so that they could easily observe the whales and record their behavior.
B.
Close to a marina because the scientists could take boats up close to the whales to quietly and carefully observe them breaching.
C.
On boats so the whales would swim close enough for researchers to easily listen to their vocalizations.
D.
Elevated high on a cliff so observers could easily view the whales from shore and record their behavior.
Question #94
Which of the following protocols would yield the most reliable data?
A.
Collecting a single vocal sample from one group of whales in a variety of ocean conditions.
B.
Collecting many vocal samples from multiple groups of whales in a variety of ocean conditions.
C.
Collecting many vocal samples from multiple groups of whales.
D.
Collecting many vocal samples from one group of whales in a variety of ocean conditions.
Question #95
Fluke slapping behavior may play a role in _______ and between-group communication.
A.
distant
B.
close-range
Question #96
Fin- and fluke-slapping _______ during group interactions such as the splitting of a group or a group joining with other whales and may play a role in _________ or within-group communication.
A.
increased… close-range
B.
decreased…distant
Question #97
The probability of breaching _______ significantly when the whale groups were farther away from each other.
A.
decreased
B.
increased
Question #98
Breaching behavior _________ significantly when the distance to the nearest whale group was closer.
A.
increased
B.
decreased
Question #99
Breaching may play a role in communication between ______ groups.
A.
distant
B.
close-range
Question #100
What happens during radioactive decay?
A.
Parent isotopes turn into energy.
B.
Daughter isotopes turn into energy.
C.
Parent isotopes turn into daughter isotopes.
D.
Energy turns into daughter isotopes.
E.
Daughter isotopes turn into parent isotopes
Question #101
What is the scientific definition of half-life?
A.
the number of daughter isotopes that will be gained during a single radioactive decay event
B.
the amount of time over which the number of parent isotopes decreases by half
C.
the number of parent isotopes that will be lost during a single radioactive decay event
D.
the amount of time over which the number of daughter isotopes increases by half
Question #102
Two containers hold the same radioactive isotope. Container A contains 1000 atoms, and container B contains 500 atoms. Which of the following statements about containers A and B is true?
A.
The rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container A is greater (or longer) than the rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container B.
B.
The rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container B is greater (or longer) than the rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container A.
C.
The rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container B is the same as the rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container A.
Question #103
A container holds 100 atoms of an isotope. This isotope has a half-life of 1.5 months. How many total atoms will be in the container after 3 months?
A.
25 atoms
B.
33 atoms
C.
50 atoms
D.
100 atoms
Question #104
A container holds 100 atoms of an isotope. This isotope has a half-life of 1.5 months. How many atoms of the radioactive isotope will be in the container after 3 months?
A.
33 atoms
B.
50 atoms
C.
100 atoms
D.
25 atoms
Question #105
When did our Solar System begin to form?
A.
5000 years ago
B.
5 billion years ago
C.
5 million years ago
D.
5 trillion years ago
Question #106
How did our Solar System begin to form?
A.
A large cloud of dust and gas began to contract under the force of gravity.
B.
A large cloud of dust and gas began to contract under the force of magnetism.
C.
A large cloud of dust and gas began to expand under the force of gravity.
D.
A large cloud of dust and gas began to expand under the force of magnetism.
Question #107
What is a nebula?
A.
a large disk of dust and gas in space
B.
a large cloud of dust and liquid in space
C.
a large disk of dust and liquid in space
D.
a large cloud of dust and gas in space
Question #108
Where did the energy of the Sun come from originally?
A.
ultraviolet energy that was converted from the gravitational energy of the original nebula collapse
B.
thermal energy that was converted from the magnetic energy of the original nebula collapse
C.
thermal energy that was converted from the gravitational energy of the original nebula collapse
D.
ultraviolet energy that was converted from the magnetic energy of the original nebula collapse
Question #109
What does the term “asthenosphere” literally mean?
A.
flexible sphere
B.
deep sphere
C.
hot sphere
D.
viscosity sphere
E.
weak sphere
Question #110
What is the basis for relative positions of Earth’s physical layers?
A.
material density, with the least-dense material on the surface and the most-dense material in the center
B.
material density, with the most-dense material on the surface and the least-dense material in the center
C.
material weight
D.
material temperature, with the hottest material on the surface and the coolest material in the center
E.
material temperature, with the coolest material on the surface and the hottest material in the center
Question #111
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding Earth’s core?
A.
Earth’s core is composed of two layers that differ in physical properties. The outer core is liquid because it is so hot. The core is composed of mainly iron and nickel, with some sulfur.
B.
Earth’s core is composed of two layers that differ in chemical composition and physical properties. The inner core is liquid because it is so hot.
C.
The inner core is liquid because it is so hot. The outer core is liquid because it is so hot.
D.
The inner core is liquid because it is so hot. Earth’s core is composed of two layers that differ in chemical composition with some sulfur.
Question #112
Rocks in which layer(s) of Earth are rigid?
A.
mesosphere, ithosphere, inner core
B.
lithosphere, asthenosphere, outer core,
C.
mesosphere, ithosphere, asthenosphere
D.
asthenosphere, outer core, mesosphere
Question #113
What element(s) are found in high concentrations in oceanic crust?
A.
iron and magnesium
B.
quartz and aluminum
C.
quartz and iron
D.
silica and quartz
Question #114
What element(s) are found in high concentrations in continental crust?
A.
iron and quartz
B.
iron and magnesium
C.
aluminum and silica
D.
silica and quartz
Question #115
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding a nebula?
A.
Over time, a star will form at the center of a nebula.
B.
Over time, a nebula becomes cooler and grows in size.
C.
There are no nebulas left in our galaxy because they have all formed stars and planets.
D.
It is believed that each planet in our solar system began as its own nebula.
E.
The density of a nebula is greatest at the edges and least in the center.
Question #116
It is believed that planets in our solar system formed by what process?
A.
thermonuclear fusion
B.
nuclear fission
C.
planetary accretion
D.
planetary subduction
E.
planetary erosion
Question #117
How was proto-Earth different from the Earth we know today?
A.
Proto-Earth was homogenous. There was no life on proto-Earth. Proto-Earth was larger than Earth is today.
B.
There was no life on proto-Earth. Layers within proto-Earth were more pronounced.
C.
The ocean was larger and hotter than it is today. Proto-Earth was larger than Earth is today.
D.
The ocean was larger and hotter than it is today. Layers within proto-Earth were more pronounced.
Question #118
Which of the following celestial bodies in our solar system are thought to be current examples of what proto-planets looked like?
A.
Mercury and Ceres
B.
Neptune and Mercury
C.
Jupiter and Mercury
D.
Vesta and Ceres
Question #119
How old are the planets in our solar system?
A.
4.6 million years
B.
46 million years
C.
460 million years
D.
4.6 billion years
E.
4600 billion years
Question #120
Based on the concept of isostatic adjustment, which of the following would result in the uplift of Earth’s surface?
A.
Lithosphere that was made to be less dense. Lithosphere that was heated by hot asthenosphere. Lithosphere that was thickened by mountain building
B.
Lithosphere that was heated by hot asthenosphere.. Lithosphere that gets a large amount of additional mass added on top of it
C.
Lithosphere that was weighed down by glacial ice. Lithosphere that gets a large amount of additional mass added on top of it
D.
Lithosphere that was weighed down by glacial ice. Lithosphere that was thickened by mountain building
Question #121
Of the following statements about Earth’s crust, which is/are true?
A.
Continental crust and oceanic crust are both predominantly composed of igneous rocks. Continental crust is made of rock that is light in color. Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust.
B.
Continental crust is made mostly of basalt. Continental crust is much thinner than oceanic crust.
C.
Continental crust is made mostly of basalt. Continental crust is much thinner than oceanic crust. Continental crust is made of rock that is light in color.
D.
Continental crust is made mostly of basalt. Continental crust is much thinner than oceanic crust. Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust.
Question #122
Of the following statements related to the formation of a density-stratified Earth, which is/are true?
A.
Solid materials will always sink beneath fluid materials. The thickest layer of Earth has the greatest density. Rocky material of the mantle is less dense than the liquid outer core.
B.
Solid materials will always sink beneath fluid materials. The thickest layer of Earth has the greatest density.
C.
Solid materials will always sink beneath fluid materials. Molten material will rise if it is less dense than the surrounding material. The thickest layer of Earth has the greatest density.
D.
Molten material will rise if it is less dense than the surrounding material. The layer with the greatest density is located at the center of Earth. Rocky material of the mantle is less dense than the liquid outer core.
Question #123
Of the following statements about the internal structure of Earth, which is/are true?
A.
The magnesium-silicate rocks of Earth’s mantle exist in both solid and molten form. The composition of the lithosphere is uniform throughout.
B.
The asthenosphere is composed of basalt and granite. The composition of the lithosphere is uniform throughout.
C.
The composition of the lithosphere is uniform throughout. The liquid outer core is composed of different metals than the solid inner core.
D.
The magnesium-silicate rocks of Earth’s mantle exist in both solid and molten form. The mesosphere and the asthenosphere have the same chemical composition.
Question #124
How are the materials that make up Earth’s interior stratified in relation to their densities?
A.
The lowest-density materials make up the ocean floor, and the highest-density materials make up the mountains.
B.
The materials are homogenous throughout Earth’s interior.
C.
The highest-density materials are concentrated at Earth’s core, whereas lower-density materials are located closer to Earth’s surface.
D.
The lowest-density materials are concentrated at Earth’s core, whereas higher-density materials are located closer to Earth’s surface.
E.
The highest-density materials make up the ocean floor, and the lowest-density materials make up the mountains.
Question #125
How do the physical properties of the asthenosphere differ from the lithosphere?
A.
The athenosphere is a brittle, solid region. The lithosphere is a plastic or malleable rock layer that is capable of flow.
B.
The athenosphere is a brittle, low-density region composed of continental and oceanic crust. The lithosphere is a plastic or malleable, high-density region composed of oceanic crust.
C.
The athenosphere is plastic or malleable and capable of slow flow. The lithosphere is a brittle and rigid solid region comprised mosly of basalt and granite.
D.
The athenosphere is a plastic or malleable region of Earth’s interior, whereas the lithosphere is a liquified rock layer. Both are capable of flow.
Question #126
Which of the following statements is supported by the nebular hypothesis regarding the formation of our solar system?
A.
The Sun and the rest of the solar system were formed approximately one billion years ago.
B.
The initial atmospheres of Earth and other planets close to the Sun were rich in ammonia and carbon dioxide.
C.
The Sun became a star when its temperature and density became so great that nuclear fusion began.
D.
The solar system was formed by the expansion of a relatively small cloud of gas and space dust.
E.
The moon is believed to have been a protoplanet that passed close to Earth and was captured by its gravitational field.
Question #127
The lithosphere consists of Earth’s __________.
A.
crust and uppermost mantle
B.
lower mantle
C.
crust and ocean
D.
upper mantle and hydrosphere
E.
outer core
Question #128
The nebular hypothesis suggests that ________.
A.
Earth's moon is an asteroid captured by the Earth's gravity
B.
the Earth was formed by a cosmic explosion, a "big bang"
C.
galaxies such as the Milky Way form independent of one another
D.
all bodies in the solar system formed from an enormous gas cloud
E.
the Moon is derived from a protoplanet
Question #129
What is the main rock type of oceanic crust?
A.
Granite
B.
Basalt
C.
Diorite
D.
Andesite
E.
Quartzite
Question #130
What is the main rock type of continental crust?
A.
Basalt
B.
Andesite
C.
Diorite
D.
Quartzite
E.
Granite
Question #131
What is the density (grams per cubic centimeter) for oceanic crust?
A.
3.5
B.
3.0
C.
1.5
D.
2.5
E.
2.0
Question #132
Which layer of the Earth behaves in a plastic manner?
A.
Inner core
B.
Lithosphere
C.
Asthenosphere
D.
Crust
E.
Outer core
Question #133
Which layer of the Earth is composed of a liquid?
A.
Asthenosphere
B.
Outer core
C.
Lithosphere
D.
Mesosphere
E.
Inner core
Question #134
The Earth's interior can be subdivided based on its ________.
A.
chemical composition
B.
ecological composition
C.
physical composition
D.
biological composition
Question #135
Nearly ________ planets have been discovered outside our solar system.
A.
4,000
B.
1,000
C.
500
D.
100.0
E.
3,000
Question #136
The Sun and the rest of the solar system formed about 5 billion years ago from a huge cloud of dust and gas called a:
A.
quasar.
B.
nebula.
C.
protoplanet.
D.
solar system.
E.
supernova.
Question #137
The separation of the Earth into layers while it was molten was the result of the:
A.
differing densities of the elements that make up the Earth.
B.
gravitational force created by the rotating Earth.
C.
presence of water at Earth's surface.
D.
decrease in temperature downward toward the core.
E.
initial collection of materials and their position in Earth.
Question #138
Oceanic crust is primarily:
A.
siltstone.
B.
granite.
C.
clay minerals.
D.
basalt.
E.
carbonate sedimentary rocks.
Question #139
Which of the following statements regarding continental and oceanic crust is TRUE?
A.
Continental crust is thicker and denser than oceanic crust.
B.
Continental crust and oceanic crust have equivalent densities.
C.
Continental crust is thinner and less dense than oceanic crust.
D.
Continental crust is thinner and denser than oceanic crust.
E.
Continental crust is thicker and less dense than oceanic crust.
Question #140
Determine the relationship that exists between the majority of the following words. Please identify the word and/or phrase that does NOT fit the pattern.
A.
core
B.
asthenosphere
C.
atmosphere
D.
lithosphere
E.
mesosphere
Question #141
Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A.
oceanic crust
B.
basalt
C.
asthenosphere
D.
granite
E.
continental crust
Question #142
Evidence suggests that the Sun and the rest of the solar system formed about five ________ years ago.
A.
trillion
B.
million
C.
billion
D.
thousand
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