mirane science exam Which evidence indicates the ocean plays a large role i

11 Jun mirane science exam Which evidence indicates the ocean plays a large role i

uestion
mirane science exam of 54 questions
Which evidence indicates the ocean plays a large role in climate change?

As temperatures rise, ocean ecosystems expand and spread out.

Heat in the ocean is constantly moving from south to north.

The ocean absorbs and transports heat around the world.

The ocean produces more heat than the atmosphere.

Question 2(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.01 MC)

Seasonal variations in ocean temperatures can impact the populations of living organisms in the ocean. How would a phytoplankton population be affected by these changes?

Due to the large size of the ocean, there is not much temperature change, so there would be no impact on the phytoplankton population.

Due to the large size of the ocean, the change in temperature would be small, so the phytoplankton population would thrive.

Higher ocean temperatures allow for phytoplankton to bloom, which increases the phytoplankton population.

Lower ocean temperatures allow for phytoplankton to bloom, which increases the phytoplankton population.

Question 3(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.04 MC)

Use the following data profiles to best describe the effect on salinity as temperature decreases and depth increases.

Data profiles illustrate temperature and depth relationship. The Thermocline profile illustrates from 500-0m the temperature rapidly increases from10-25 degrees Celsius. The Halocline profile illustrates from 500m-0m a steady increase in salinity from 34.5 to 35 percent respectively. The Pycnocline profile illustrates a density of 1.03-1.02.

© 2015 by The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

As depth increases and temperature decreases, salinity decreases greatly.

As depth increases and temperature decreases, salinity slightly decreases.

As depth increases and temperature decreases, salinity increases greatly.

As depth increases and temperature decreases, salinity slightly increases.

Question 4(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.05 MC)

Due to human activity, the temperature of the ocean has increased to above normal conditions, causing coral bleaching to occur. What consequence on ocean ecosystems will this event most likely have?

Larger animals, like marine mammals, must adapt to new sources of food.

More sediment in the water blocks sunlight from reaching the reef system.

Reef food webs are being disrupted and significantly losing biodiversity.

The water is becoming more acidic, causing shells of plankton to weaken.

Question 5(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.06 MC)

What can be said about the diversity of life in the high tide zone compared to that of the low tide zone?

There is more biodiversity in the high tide zone because there is plenty of sunlight.

There is less biodiversity in the high tide zone because the tidal changes make survival difficult.

There is more biodiversity in the high tide zone because the waves bring additional nutrients to the area.

There is less biodiversity in the high tide zone because there is less water here than in other regions shown.

Question 6(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.06 LC)

Researchers have found that increasing global temperatures will cause methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas, to be emitted at increasing rates by microorganisms found in freshwater ecosystems. What biogeochemical cycle will be most directly affected by this increase in methane?

Carbon cycle

Hydrogeological cycle

Nitrogen cycle

Phosphorous cycle

Question 7(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.03 MC)

What is the source of oxygen in the epipelagic zone?

Photosynthesis and diffusion from deeper ocean zones

Photosynthesis and diffusion from the air

Respiration and diffusion from deeper ocean zones

Respiration and diffusion from the air

Question 8(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.01 HC)

Looking at the map below, predict what type of boundary is present and the resulting features of the boundary at the Philippine Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

map showing the Eurasian Plate and Philippine plates colliding. Arrows are pointing toward each other from each plate boundary.

© 2016 2016 Bucknell University

Earthquakes; volcanic activity; island chains

Fault lines; shallow earthquakes

Mid-ocean ridge; Fault lines; creation of new seafloor

Mid-ocean ridge; widening of ocean basin; creation of new seafloor

Question 9(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.01 MC)

You are monitoring coral growth on a specific site for several months. Over time, you notice that some of the coral colonies are beginning to turn white and die. What process could you infer is happening on the coral reef site?

The coral reef is experiencing succession, so over time the coral will continue to die off gradually as the zooxanthellae algae leaves the coral polyps.

The coral reef is experiencing succession, so the coral will continue to die off quickly as the zooxanthellae algae leaves the coral polyps.

The coral reef is experiencing climate change, so the rise in ocean temperatures is causing the coral to bleach as the zooxanthellae algae leaves the coral polyps.

The coral reef is experiencing climate change, so the coral will die off from seasonal variation, which has no impact on zooxanthellae algae in the coral polyps.

Question 10(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.04 MC)

The Earth is a unique planet in that it is covered by more than 70 percent water. There are several properties of water that make Earth a suitable environment for life, including how the density of solid water (ice) is about nine percent less than the density of liquid water. Which best explains why this feature of water is important for marine life?

Ice forms from the bottom of the water column up, allowing organisms to freeze and enter hibernation.

Ice forms from the top of the water column down, creating a protective barrier over the liquid water.

The higher-density liquid water shelters organisms from cold air better than the less-dense ice.

The higher-density liquid water traps nutrients for primary producers better than the less-dense ice.

Question 11(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.01 MC)

Researchers find an interesting geological formation on the ocean floor. How can they tell whether plates are colliding or moving apart due to spreading seafloor in this region?

If the seafloor has relatively little sediment and is young, then it is spreading there.

If the seafloor has evidence of wrinkling, then the seafloor must be spreading.

If the seafloor has relatively little sediment and is young, then plates are colliding there.

If the seafloor has many volcanoes, then it must be spreading and the plates are not converging.

Question 12(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.01 HC)

Fossil evidence has been used to understand the movement of continental plates. If a particular species of animal was abundant and able to spread across the entire continuous landmass but not across oceans during the Cretaceous period, then predict which of the following could be true of its fossils using the figure below.

Maps showing the Permian Period (225 million years ago) when the continent was known as Pangaea, Triassic Period (200 million years ago) shows the splitting of Pangaea into two continents; Laurasia and Gondwana Land, The Jurassic Period (150 million years ago) shows the separation of the continents increasing and into smaller continents, The Cretaceous period (65 million years ago) shows a further separation of the continents with more water in-between the continents. The last map image shows present day continents North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and Antarctica.

Public Domain

The fossils could be found in both North and South America.

The fossils could be found in North America and Asia.

The fossils could be found in North America and Australia.

The fossils could be found on all continents.

Question 13(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.03 HC)

A blue tang is a tropical fish that is blue in color. What conclusion can be drawn regarding why the blue tang appears to be blue?

As light moves through the water and strikes the tang, blue light is absorbed.

As light moves from the tang back through the water, blue light is refracted.

As light moves through the water and strikes the tang; all colors of light except blue are absorbed.

As light moves from the tang back through the water, all colors of light except blue are refracted.

Question 14(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.05.HC)

The graph below shows ocean data relating to climate change. Explain why both the atmospheric and seawater carbon dioxide levels are rising simultaneously.

Graph shows ocean data related to climate change. From 1960 to 2010 the amount of seawater carbon dioxide ranges from 315 to 380. From 1990 to 2010 the seawater pH ranges from 8.13 to 8.08 and the atmospheric carbon dioxide ranges from 8.13 to 8.30.

© 2015, Ocean Portal (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Carbon dioxide levels are increasing in the air, and the ocean is absorbing carbon dioxide; atmospheric levels are increasing so much that the increase is still apparent even with increasing absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean.

Carbon dioxide levels are increasing in the atmosphere, and in the ocean simultaneously due to different processes; these patterns are not related.

Carbon dioxide levels are increasing in the atmosphere, and the ocean absorbs this carbon dioxide, so the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels will begin to decrease in the future as more is absorbed by the ocean.

Carbon dioxide levels are increasing in the ocean, and the ocean releases carbon dioxide into the air. The most carbon dioxide the ocean contains, the more it can release into the air.

Question 15(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.03 LC)

Deep water rises along the coast of Peru to replace surface water carried away from the coast by strong winds. Why is upwelling important?

It delivers cold water to the epipelagic zone, decreasing rates of photosynthesis.

It delivers nutrients to the well-lit epipelagic zone, stimulating photosynthesis.

It delivers well oxygenated water to the epipelagic zone, stimulating photosynthesis.

It delivers more zooplankton to the area, decreasing the rates of photosynthesis.

Question 16(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(1.01 LC)

Off of the coast of Florida, scientists are studying the effects of human activity on the local Atlantic Sailfish population. Marine chemists, marine biologists, marine geologists, and physical oceanographers are all involved in the study. Which discipline is most likely represented by a scientist analyzing seawater?

Marine biology

Marine chemistry

Marine geology

Physical oceanography

Question 17(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.02 LC)

Which of the following is an example of an open system?

An aquarium with both plants and animals

An enzyme found in deep ocean organisms that allows them to glow

A living single-celled organism such as a phytoplankton

A river that has been dammed

Question 18(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.02 HC)

Scientists wanted to cultivate fish in a closed system. What features should be included to ensure a closed system?

Allow incoming water from groundwater wells

Allow only one species of fish

Prevent precipitation from entering the tanks

Remove solid wastes produced from the fish in the tanks

Question 19(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.03 MC)

How does the speed of sound change as it moves from the surface of the ocean to 1000 meters below to surface?

The speed increases because the water is less dense at warmer temperatures.

The speed decreases because the water is denser at warmer temperatures.

The speed increases because at cooler temperatures the water has more mechanical energy.

The speed decreases because at cooler temperatures the water has less mechanical energy.

Question 20(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.01 MC)

What is the difference between science and non-science?

Science is absolute knowledge.

Science seeks absolute truths.

Science does not attempt to correct errors.

Science looks for proof of natural phenomena.

Question 21(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.01 MC)

A scientist is studying a form of marine bacteria growing in culture dishes. He noticed that a clear area formed around the mold where the bacteria that had grown in this area died (this is now referred to as a zone of inhibition). In the culture dishes that had no mold, no zones of inhibition were present. Formulate a valid hypothesis based on his observations.

a culture dish with bacterial growth. One area contains a zone of inhibition ( no bacterial growth) , this is the clear area that formed around the mold where the bacteria has now died. The other two areas indicated on the culture dish show the presence of penicillin surrounded by the cleared area where the bacteria died.

© 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The temperature in the lab was too cold for the mold to grow.

The mold must be producing a chemical that killed the bacteria.

The bacteria must be producing a chemical that killed the mold.

The temperature in the lab was too cold for the bacteria to grow.

Question 22(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.02 MC)

An oceanographer discovered new seafloor being formed in the ocean at a divergent fault. The scientist classifies this as a trench. Is the scientist correct or incorrect and why or why not?

He is incorrect. Trenches are narrow openings occurring at subduction zones.

He is incorrect. Trenches are flat areas at the foot of continental shelves.

He is correct. Trenches are ancient volcanoes whose tops have eroded away.

He is correct. Trenches are areas between continental shelves and deeper ocean floors.

Question 23(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.04 LC)

You are on a field trip and are recording the amount of mass in a volume of water. What are you measuring?

The concentration of bacteria in seawater

The concentration of dissolved oxygen in seawater

The concentration of salt in seawater

The density of seawater

Question 24(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.01 LC)

What is a scientific experiment?

A statement that tries to answer a scientific question

A rigorous procedure that produces scientific data

A final decision that describes a scientific model

A collection of data that generates a scientific observation

Question 25(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.02 MC)

Is it accurate to say that once science has answered a question, it is settled forever?

Yes, the scientific method works so well that once a discovery is made it never changes.

Yes, once a scientific “truth” is discovered there is nothing more to study about the topic.

No, if new evidence is acquired or new perspectives emerge, scientific ideas can be revised or replaced.

No, everything is really science so if a more appealing alternative emerges scientists will generally eliminate old ideas.

Question 26(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.06 MC)

Nitrogen-based fertilizers break down into nitrates. When the nitrates enter the substrate, they are converted into nitrogen gas through which process?

Ammonification

Denitrification

Nitrification

Nitrogen fixation

Question 27(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.01 MC)

A female marine scientist collected data regarding the height of the tide at Clearwater Beach over the course of a week. The data is shown below. She concludes the tide is always highest at night. Is she correct? Explain why or why not.

Graph depicting the tidal height from January 17-25 at Clearwater Beach, FL. The X axis depicts the time of day and the Y axis depicts the tidal height in meters from 0.0 meters to 1.0 meters. January 18 shows a tide height of .4 meters at 7:38 am, a tide height of .25meters at 12:09 pm, and a tide height of .7 meters at 6:39 pm. January 19 shows a tide height of less than a meter at 2:11 am, .4 meters at 9:24 am, a tide height of .25 meters at 1:25 pm, and a tide height of .71 meters at 7:40 pm. January 20 shows a tide height of less than a meter at 3:10 am, a tide height of .5 meters at 10:29 am, a tide height of .25 meters at 2:32 pm, and a tide height of .75 meters at 8:37 pm. January 21 shows a tide height of less than a meter at 4:01am, a tide height of .76 meters at 11:13 am, a tide height of .25 meters at 3:27 pm, and a tide height of .77 meters at 9:28 pm. January 22 shows a tide height of less than a meter at 4:44 am, a tide height of .5 meters at 11:47 am, a tide height of .24 meters at 4:14 pm, and a tide hight of .8 meters at 10:14 pm. January 23 shows a tide height of less than a meter at 5.24 am, a tide height of .5 meters at 12:14 pm, a tide height of .4 meters at 4:55 pm, and a tide height of .77 meters at 10:55 pm. January 24 shows a tide height of less than a meter at 6:01 am, a tide height of .5 meters at 12:38 pm, a tide height of.3 meters at 5:34 pm, and a tide height of .77 meters at 11:33 pm. January 25 shows a tide height of less than a meter at 6:34 am, a tide height of .5 meters at 12:59 pm, and a tide height of .15 meters at 6:12 pm.

© 2016 Surf-Forecast.com

Yes; high tide is always higher than 0.72m after 6 pm.

Yes; the tide always rises between 12 pm and 6 pm.

No; high tide advances by 40 to 60 minutes each day.

No; the height of the tide changes from day to day.

Question 28(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.02 LC)

What is the ocean feature identified in the illustration?

a diagram of the ocean floor with ridges, trenches, seamounts and volcanoes. The arrow is pointing toward the land at the edge of the ocean.

© 2016 Centre Learning Community Charter School

Continental shelf

Mid-ocean ridge

Seamount

Trench

Question 29(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.01 LC)

What is the name for Wegener’s theory that describes how all of the continents used to belong to one landmass but randomly moved over time?

The theory of coastline similarities

The theory of continental drift

The theory of contraction

The theory of natural selection

Question 30(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.02 MC)

Deep ocean anglerfish have special organs that utilize chemical energy to produce light that the fish uses to capture prey. The light is then lost to the fish. Explain why this phenomenon does not violate the Law of Conservation of Energy.

The fish is a closed system, so energy is allowed to exit the system.

The light energy travels through the water until it is reflected or absorbed.

Light is not carried by matter and contains no energy.

The Law of Conservation of Energy does not apply to biological systems.

Question 31(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.01 MC)

In order to understand the impact of climate change, a scientist collected measurements of average yearly sea surface temperatures from 1880 to 2012. His data is graphed below. What hypothesis might a marine scientist make regarding the trend in average ocean temperatures from 1990 to 2010?

a graph depicting yearly sea surface temperature from 1880-2012. The X axis represents the years from 1880 to 2010 in increments of ten years. The Y axis represents the difference from average temperature in degrees Fahrenheit ranging from -1.6 to 0.6. 1880 shows a temperature difference of -0.8, 1890 shows a temperature difference of -1.1, 1900 shows a temperature difference of -1.05, 1910 shows a temperature difference of -1.5, 1920 shows a temperature difference of -1.15, 1930 shows a temperature difference of -0.9, 1940 shows a temperature difference of -0.55, 1950 shows a temperature difference of -0.8, 1960 shows a difference of -0.5, 1970 shows a difference of -0.7, 1980 shows a temperature difference of -0.3, 1990 shows a temperature difference of -0.2, 2000 shows a temperature difference of -0.19 and 2010 shows a temperature difference of 0.1.

© 2016 NOAA

The oceans are becoming warmer because the atmosphere trapped more heat between 1990 and 2010.

The oceans are becoming warmer because spontaneous combustion increased between 1990 and 2010.

The oceans are becoming cooler because more rainfall has occurred between 1990 and 2010.

The oceans are becoming cooler because fewer volcanic eruptions have occurred between 1990 and 2010.

Question 32(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.02 LC)

The model of sea ice coverage shows that ice cover increased in Antarctic and decreased in the Arctic from June to July. What type of model is this?

A conceptual model

A mathematical model

A physical model

A theoretical model

Question 33(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.03 MC)

Why is pressure greater in the abyssopelagic zone than in the bathypelagic zone?

The pressure increases with the lack of light.

The pressure increases with increasing salt content.

The pressure increases with decreasing temperature.

The pressure increases with the weight of the water above.

Question 34(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.01 LC)

Up until 1938, paleontologists accepted the idea that coelacanths (an ancient fish) went extinct at the time that they last appear in the fossil record, about 80 million years ago. But in 1938, a live coelacanth was discovered off the coast of South Africa. What goal of science does this discovery represent?

Building knowledge and understanding of the natural world

Developing new applications and technology

Explaining the supernatural world

Seeking absolute truths

Question 35(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.01 LC)

The following picture shows the three primary types of plate boundaries. Which boundary is being shown in label D?

an arrow pointing from A to a formation of trenches and Island Arcs, an arrow pointing from B and C to an Oceanic Spreading Ridge, and an arrow pointing from D to a trench.

© 2016 US Department of the Interior; US Geological Survey

Convergent boundary zone

Divergent boundary zone

Plate boundary zone

Transform boundary zone

Question 36(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.06 MC)

Condensation helped to form early oceans when water vapor in clouds begin to cool. The temperature on early Earth was important to the early oceans. What would have happened if the temperature of early Earth had heated significantly soon after the oceans formed?

The water in the ocean would have evaporated.

The water in the ocean would have undergone sublimation.

The water in the ocean would have percolated down into the soil.

The water in the ocean would have undergone evapotranspiration.

Question 37(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.06 LC)

Which cellular process in plants uses oxygen and breaks down organic molecules to release stored energy and produce carbon dioxide?

Assimilation

Condensation

Photosynthesis

Respiration

Question 38(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.02 MC)

Lionfish have become an invasive species since their introduction into the Atlantic Ocean, where they have few natural predators due to their venomous spines and quick reproduction. They feed voraciously on native reef fish and mollusks, negatively impacting coral reef biodiversity. How can scientists further investigate the spread and impact of lionfish in order to develop potential solutions to this issue?

Encourage divers to report sightings of lionfish to update current maps

Introduce more fish and mollusks for the lionfish to feed on

Study maps of lionfish sightings prior to 1995

Use a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) to capture lionfish

Question 39(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.03 LC)

Observe the following wave diagram. How would the wave properties change if the wavelength of the wave was to decrease from 1 to 0.5, and the speed stayed the same?

Diagram of a wave indicating time and pressure along with wavelength and amplitude shows that one cycle is 0.5 second and the frequency is equal to 2 cycles.

© 2016 NOAA

The amplitude would double.

The amplitude would decrease by one half.

Four waves would pass a point within a second.

Only one wave would pass a point within a second.

Question 40(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.01 MC)

Seasonal variations in ocean temperatures can impact the populations of living organisms in the ocean despite the high specific heat of water. How would herbivores initially be affected by these changes?

Due to the high specific heat of the ocean, the change in temperature would be small, so the phytoplankton population would thrive, allowing herbivores to decrease in number.

Due to the high specific heat of the ocean, there is not much temperature change, so there would be no impact on the phytoplankton population, and no impact on the number of herbivores.

Higher ocean temperatures allow for phytoplankton to bloom, increasing the food available to herbivores, allowing herbivores to increase in number.

Lower ocean temperatures allow for phytoplankton to bloom, increasing the food available to herbivores, allowing herbivores to increase in number.

Question 41(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.06 LC)

Which zone undergoes the least amount of change in a given day, resulting in a high level of biodiversity?

Middle intertidal zone

Supralittoral zone

High littoral zone

Low intertidal zone

Question 42(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.04 LC)

Which density/temperature statement is correct?

The density of freshwater increases as the temperature increases.

The density of freshwater remains constant as temperature decreases.

The density of saline (salty) water increases as temperature decreases.

The density of saline (salty) water increases as temperature increases.

Question 43(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.06 LC)

Coal-fired power plants release emissions such as nitrogen compounds into the air. The nitrogen and water cycle combine when nitrogen returns to the soil as acid rain through which water cycle process?

Precipitation

Respiration

Transpiration

Nitrification

Question 44(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.01 MC)

Plate tectonics is the theory explaining the structure of the earth’s crust and the resulting features and processes of the interaction of the plates that move slowly over the underlying mantle. A mid-ocean ridge is a feature that results in ocean to ocean divergent boundary zones. How is a mid-ocean ridge a resulting feature?

The plates are moving in a zigzag formation, creating shallow earthquakes which forms a mid-ocean ridge.

Mid-ocean ridges are not resulting features of ocean-to-ocean divergent boundary zones.

The plates are moving towards each other, which causes the crust to buckle and push upwards or sideways which forms a mid-ocean ridge.

The rising convection current below the oceanic lithosphere lifts the lithosphere as the plates move apart.

Question 45(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.01 LC)

Which of the following is an example of succession in an ocean ecosystem?

Ocean organisms pass away and sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Oil spills cause pollution in the ocean ecosystem.

Tsunamis cause damage to land and ocean ecosystems.

Volcanic activity causes a new island to form in the ocean ecosystem.

Question 46(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.03 HC)

There is consensus among scientists that humans are causing the climate to warm. Why might this warming impact biological productivity in the deepest ocean zones? Use the figure below to aid in answering this question.

a world map with ocean currents flowing from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean back to the Atlantic Ocean. Warm surface flow areas are depicted in red and cool subsurface areas depicted in blue.

© 2016 NASA.gov

Warming may slow or halt the formation of cold dense water in polar regions, reducing the delivery of carbon dioxide to depth, and slowing aerobic cellular respiration and productivity in deeper zones.

Warming may slow or halt the formation of cold dense water in polar regions, reducing the delivery of nutrients to depth, and thereby reducing productivity in deeper zones.

Warming may slow or halt the formation of cold dense water in polar regions, reducing the delivery of phytoplankton to depth, and thereby reducing productivity in deeper zones.

Warming may slow or halt the formation of cold dense water in polar regions, reducing the delivery of well oxygenated water to depth, and thereby slowing aerobic cellular respiration and productivity in deeper zones.

Question 47(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(03.06 LC)

What types of adaptations would help organisms living in the high intertidal zone of a sandy beach survive?

The ability to retain moisture and burrow into the sand

The ability to withstand low levels of salinity and retain moisture

The ability to spend long amounts of time underwater, and a shell

The ability to withstand low levels of salinity and low temperatures

Question 48(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.02 MC)

In recent years, scientists have collected data on the extent of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean as shown in the graph. How does the data in the graph support or refute the theory of global climate change?

Graph shows the change in Arctic ice thickness from mean, 1953-2013. The X axis indicates the year and the Y axis indicates the deviation from the mean ice thickness. In 1953 the deviation shows to be about 1.5 and concludes in 2013 at -2 .

© 2016, National Snot & Ice Data Center

The graph supports this theory because it shows that the sea rises and falls yearly.

The graph supports this theory as it shows a gradual decline in sea ice extent.

The graph refutes this theory as it shows only normal yearly fluctuations in sea ice extent.

The graph refutes this theory because it does not provide any information on global temperatures.

Question 49(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(01.01 HC)

Scientists have been studying threats to coral reefs. The percent of reefs affected by various threats are shown in the figure below. A future global temperature increase may affect all categories on the figure. Predict which category would change the most from global temperature increases and propose a testable question that scientists could study.

a graph showing the percent of reefs at risk worldwide with various threats. Overfishing and Destructive Fishing shows 0-30 percent to be highly –threatened reefs, 31-58 percent to be threatened reefs and 59-100 percent to be slightly-threatened reefs. Marin-based Pollution and Damage indicates 1 percent to be highly-threatened reefs, 2-10 percent to be threatened reefs and 11-100 percent to be slightly-threatened reefs. Coastal Development indicates 0-10% to be highly-threatened reefs,11-22 percent to be threatened reefs and 23-100 percent to be slightly-threatened reefs. Watershed-based Pollution indicates 0-10 percent to be highly-threatened reefs, 11-28 percent to be threatened reefs and 29-100 percent to be slightly-threatened reefs. Integrated Local Threat indicates 0-10 percent to be very highly-threatened reefs, 11-30 percent to be highly-threatened reefs, 31-60 percent to be threatened reefs and 61-100 percent to be slightly-threatened reefs. Integrated Local Threat and Thermal Stress indicates 0-18 percent to be very highly-threatened reefs, 19-40 percent to be highly-threatened reefs, 41-75 percent to be threatened reefs and 76-100 percent to be slightly-threatened reefs.

© 2016 World Resources Institute

The biggest effect will be on the far right column that includes thermal stress with a greater percentage of reefs falling into the low and medium threat categories. Scientists could test whether reefs that have greater fishing risk also have greater thermal risk.

The biggest effect will be on the far right column that includes thermal stress, with a greater percentage of reefs falling into the high and very high threat categories. Scientists could test whether reefs that have greater temperature changes have greater increases in watershed-based pollution.

The biggest effect will be on the far left column that includes fishing, with a greater percentage of reefs falling into the high and very high threat categories. Scientists could test whether increased fishing causes increased marine-based pollution.

The biggest effect will be on the far left column that includes fishing, with a greater percentage of reefs falling into the low and medium threat categories. Scientists could test whether reefs that have greater temperature changes have greater increases in fishing threats.

Question 50(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.06 LC)

What nitrogen cycle process is occurring in the root nodules in the illustration?

Nitrogen cycle is illustrated with a missing step pointing from Nitrogen (the atmosphere) to the roots of a plant.

© 2016 CC-BY-SA

Ammonification

Denitrification

Fixation

Nitrification

Question 51(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(02.02 LC)

A marine scientist studying the Canary Islands concluded that the islands were not formed by volcanic activity because his data showed that the fault on which the islands lies was inactive during the islands’ formation. Why is using this data considered good science?

He uses logical thinking to draw conclusions based on scientific evidence.

He selects scientific measurements that cannot be challenged by other scientists.

He selects scientific measurements that provide evidence for his hypothesis.

He employs logical thinking to critique earlier measurements of the same phenomenon.

Question 52 (Essay Worth 3 points)

(01.01 HC)

A group of marine scientists introduced a species of fish into an artificial habitat and wanted to determine if it will grow well in the new environment. They recorded the population over several years and their data is plotted below. Analyze the data and formulate a conclusion. Does this species of fish do well in this habitat? Predict what will happen to the population over the next five years.

Graph of introduced fish. The X axis shows the number of years since introduction starting from 0 to 9. The Y axis shows the number of individuals from 50-100.The line on the graph starts at 0 years and 100 individuals and decreases over the span of years.

Question 53 (Essay Worth 5 points)

(02.05 HC)

Human activity has greatly increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The graph below shows one consequence of this change. Describe two consequences to biodiversity in ocean ecosystems based on the data in the graph. Include specific organisms in your answer.

The graph shows the annual global temperature (land, ocean, and combined).The X axis indicates the year and the Y axis the temperature in degrees Celsius. Three lines are present on the graph representing the global temperature anomaly, the land temperature anomaly and the ocean temperature anomaly with rises and falls over the year with a gradual increase over time.

© 2016 NOAA