Science Standards Flashcards

Which of the following best describes natural selection?

Answer: Traits beneficial for survival are passed on more frequently

Natural selection is the process by which organisms with beneficial heritable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to offspring.

A student notices that a glass of ice water has water droplets forming on the outside of the glass. Which process explains this?

Answer: Condensation of water vapor from the air

Cold surfaces cause water vapor in the surrounding air to condense into liquid water droplets.

Which statement best describes how the amount of matter changes in a closed system?

Answer: The total amount of matter remains constant

The law of conservation of matter states that in a closed system, matter cannot be created or destroyed.

A rock layer containing older fossils is found below a rock layer with newer fossils. What principle explains this observation?

Answer: Principle of Superposition

The principle of superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, older layers are found below younger layers.

Which of the following is the best example of an inherited trait?

Answer: A cat having blue eyes

Eye color is determined by genes passed from parents to offspring, making it an inherited trait.

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems on Earth?

Answer: Solar energy (sunlight)

Sunlight is the primary energy source for most ecosystems, captured by producers through photosynthesis.

A student pushes a heavy box across the floor. The box moves but slows down and stops when the student stops pushing. What force caused the box to stop?

Answer: Friction

Friction between the box and the floor surface opposes the box's motion and eventually brings it to a stop.