Earth And Life Sciences Trivia Quiz!

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What are earth and life sciences? Could you take this quiz which pertains to both sciences? Earth and life science present the planet's history through geological time, and it talks about the earth's structure, composition, and processes. The four main branches of Earth science include geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Studying these four earth sciences helps scientists understand our planet. If your ambition is to learn more about the earth and life sciences, look no further than this quiz.

Earth and Life Sciences Questions and Answers

This theory on the origin of the universe states that ​13.8 billion years ago, the universe expanded from a tiny, dense and hot mass to its present size and much cooler state.

Explanation
The theory on the origin of the universe that states that 13.8 billion years ago, the universe expanded from a tiny, dense and hot mass to its present size and much cooler state is known as the Big Bang Theory. This theory is supported by various pieces of evidence, such as the observation of cosmic microwave background radiation and the redshift of distant galaxies. It is widely accepted by the scientific community as the most plausible explanation for the origin of the universe.

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What subsystem of the earth includes the rocks of the crust and mantle, the metallic liquid outer core, and the solid metallic inner core?

Explanation
The lithosphere is the subsystem of the Earth that includes the rocks of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It also indirectly involves the Earth's deeper layers, including the metallic liquid outer core and solid inner core, even though they are not strictly part of the lithosphere. The atmosphere refers to the Earth's gaseous layer, the hydrosphere includes all water bodies, and the biosphere consists of all living organisms. Thus, the correct subsystem referring to the Earth's solid components is the lithosphere.

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What do you call the bright yellow circle on the picture?

Explanation
The bright yellow circle in the picture is called the inner core. This is the innermost layer of the Earth, located at the center. It is primarily composed of solid iron and nickel, and it is the hottest and most dense part of the Earth. The inner core plays a crucial role in generating the Earth's magnetic field.

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A mineral with a hardness of 7 is rubbed against a piece of Apatite. What will the result be?

Explanation
The mineral with a hardness of 7 will scratch the Apatite because Apatite has a lower hardness than 7. Hardness is a measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching, and the mineral with a higher hardness will be able to scratch a mineral with a lower hardness.

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This mineral can be scratched with your fingernail. What is it?

Explanation
Gypsum is the correct answer because it is a relatively soft mineral that can be easily scratched with a fingernail. This characteristic is due to its low hardness on the Mohs scale, which measures the scratch resistance of minerals. Quartz, Potassium Feldspar, and Graphite are all harder minerals that cannot be scratched with a fingernail, making Gypsum the only suitable option.

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Which characteristic is NOT one of a mineral?

Explanation
The characteristic that is NOT one of a mineral is indefinite chemical composition. Minerals have a specific and definite chemical composition, which means they are composed of a particular combination of elements. Minerals are defined by their chemical makeup, as well as their other characteristics, such as being naturally occurring, inorganic solids, and having a crystal structure.

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What is luster?

Explanation
Luster refers to the way light interacts with the surface of a mineral. It describes the appearance of the mineral's surface in terms of its reflectivity and shine. Different minerals can have different types of luster, such as metallic, vitreous, pearly, or dull. The correct answer, "reflectiveness of a mineral," accurately describes the concept of luster and how it relates to the appearance of minerals.

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Which layer can be worn down by erosion and weathering (weathering is when weather like rain and wind blow against rocks and break them up)?

Explanation
The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth's surface and is composed of solid rock. It is the layer that is directly exposed to the elements and can be affected by erosion and weathering. Erosion refers to the process of wearing away the Earth's surface through the action of wind, water, or ice, while weathering is the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces by natural forces like rain and wind. Therefore, the crust is the layer that can be worn down by erosion and weathering.

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What theory on the origin of the solar system that independently thought of a rotating gaseous cloud that cools and contracts in the middle to form the sun and the rest into a disc that becomes the planets?

Explanation
The correct answer is Nebular Hypothesis. This theory proposes that the solar system formed from a rotating gaseous cloud called a nebula. As the nebula cooled and contracted in the middle, it formed the sun, while the remaining material formed a disc that eventually condensed into planets. This hypothesis was independently proposed by several scientists, including Immanuel Kant and Pierre-Simon Laplace, in the 18th century. It is widely accepted as the most plausible explanation for the origin of our solar system.

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The following are the evidence of continental drift hypothesis except:

Explanation
The correct answer is "Plate tectonics" because the evidence presented in the question supports the continental drift hypothesis, which suggests that continents have moved over time. The continental puzzle refers to the way continents fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, supporting the idea of their movement. Matched fossils found on different continents indicate that they were once connected. Ancient climates provide evidence of past continental positions, as certain climate patterns can only occur under specific geographical conditions. Plate tectonics, on the other hand, is not evidence of continental drift but rather a scientific theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.

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Streak is the color of a mineral in powdered form.

Explanation
The streak of a mineral refers to the color of its powdered form. When a mineral is scratched against a porcelain plate, it leaves behind a streak of powdered material. This streak can have a different color than the actual mineral, as some minerals may have a different color in their powdered form due to impurities or chemical reactions. Therefore, the statement that streak is the color of a mineral in powdered form is true.

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Specific Gravity is the ratio of the weight of a mineral to the weight of an equal volume of other minerals.

Explanation
Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a mineral to the weight of an equal volume of water, not other minerals. Therefore, the given statement is false.

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A conduction zone occurs when one oceanic plate is forced down into the mantle beneath a second plate.

Explanation
A conduction zone does not occur when one oceanic plate is forced down into the mantle beneath a second plate. Instead, this process is known as subduction, where one plate is pushed beneath another plate in a process called plate tectonics. A conduction zone refers to the area in the Earth's upper mantle where heat is transferred through conduction.

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Continental-continental happens when subducting plates contain continental material, two continents collide.

Explanation
Continental-continental plate boundaries occur when two plates carrying continental material collide. This collision leads to the formation of mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas. The collision between the plates is due to the convergence of the tectonic plates. Therefore, the statement "Continental-continental happens when subducting plates contain continental material, two continents collide" is true.

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Which condition affects the formation of sedimentary rocks?

Explanation
Weathering is the correct answer because it is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces or dissolved through exposure to elements such as water, wind, and temperature changes. These smaller pieces or sediments are then transported and eventually deposited, leading to the formation of sedimentary rocks. Weathering plays a crucial role in the initial stages of sedimentary rock formation.

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Non- clastic rocks are.

Explanation
Non-clastic rocks are classified according to the evaporation and precipitation from solution or lithification of organic matter. This means that these rocks are formed through the process of minerals being dissolved in water and then precipitating out of the solution, or through the compaction and hardening of organic materials over time. This classification is based on the specific processes that lead to the formation of these rocks, rather than their particle size or composition of silica and other elements.

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Which example is a volcanic rock?

Explanation
Tuff is a volcanic rock formed from the consolidation of volcanic ash and other pyroclastic materials. It is usually light in color and has a porous texture. Unlike the other options, Diorite, Gabbro, and Granite are all intrusive igneous rocks that form from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface. Therefore, Tuff is the only example that is a volcanic rock.

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Which of the following is true about rocks?

Explanation
Most rocks are a mixture of minerals because rocks are made up of different types of minerals that are combined together. Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and they give rocks their physical properties such as color, texture, and hardness. Different rocks can have different combinations and proportions of minerals, which leads to their varied appearances and characteristics. Therefore, it is true that most rocks are composed of a mixture of minerals.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the three types of rock?

Explanation
Lava is not one of the three types of rock because it is actually molten rock that flows from a volcano. While it is derived from igneous rock, it is not considered a distinct type of rock itself. The three main types of rock are metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous. Metamorphic rock is formed when existing rock is subjected to heat and pressure, while sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment. Igneous rock, on the other hand, is formed from the solidification of molten rock material.

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A rock that forms when magma hardens beneath Earth's surface is called an

Explanation
An intrusive igneous rock forms beneath Earth's surface as magma cools and solidifies. The slower cooling process allows for larger crystal formation, resulting in rocks like granite. This contrasts with extrusive rocks formed from lava cooling rapidly on the surface, producing finer-grained textures like basalt.

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Which of the following represents the correct order of the processes responsible for the formation of sedimentary rocks?

Explanation
Sedimentary rocks are formed through a series of processes. Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles. Erosion involves the transportation of these particles by wind, water, or ice. Deposition occurs when the transported particles settle down and accumulate in a new location. Compaction happens when the weight of the overlying sediments compresses the deposited particles. Cementation is the process where minerals, such as calcium carbonate or silica, bind the sediments together to form a solid rock. Therefore, the correct order of these processes is weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation.

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A student obtains a cup of quartz sand from a beach. A saltwater solution is poured into the sand and allowed to evaporate. The mineral residue from the saltwater solution cements the sand grains together, forming a material that is most similar to:

Explanation
When the saltwater solution evaporates, it leaves behind mineral residues that cement the sand grains together. This process is similar to the natural formation of sedimentary rocks, where sediments like sand are compacted and cemented over time by minerals. Sedimentary rocks are often formed from materials like sand, clay, and organic particles that accumulate in layers and solidify through this process.

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Edwin Hubble discovered that distant objects in space are

Explanation
Edwin Hubble's discovery of distant objects in space moving farther away from each other is based on the observation of redshift in their light spectra. This phenomenon, known as the redshift of light, indicates that these objects are moving away from us. The greater the redshift, the faster the object is moving away. This discovery led to the formulation of the Big Bang theory, suggesting that the universe is expanding. Therefore, the correct answer is that distant objects in space are moving farther away from each other.

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The study of the origin, structure, and future of the universe is called

Explanation
Cosmology is the study of the origin, structure, and future of the universe. It explores the fundamental questions about the universe, such as its origins, evolution, and ultimate fate. Cosmologists use various scientific methods, including observations, mathematical models, and theoretical physics, to understand the nature of the universe on a large scale. Cosmology is a multidisciplinary field that combines elements of physics, astronomy, and philosophy to gain insights into the fundamental nature of the universe.

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Which of these theories was proposed by Georges-Louis de Buffon, regarding the origin of the solar system?

Explanation
The theory proposed by Georges-Louis de Buffon regarding the origin of the solar system is the Sun-comet encounter. This theory suggests that the solar system was formed when a passing comet came too close to the sun and the gravitational forces caused material to be ejected from the sun, eventually forming the planets. This theory was later disproven by other scientific evidence.

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The modern theory of the origin of the solar system is known as,

Explanation
The modern theory of the origin of the solar system is known as the Solar Nebula Theory. This theory proposes that the solar system formed from a rotating disk of gas and dust, called the solar nebula. As the nebula contracted under its own gravity, it began to spin faster and flatten into a disk shape. The center of the disk eventually became the Sun, while the material in the disk coalesced to form the planets, moons, and other objects in the solar system. This theory is widely accepted among scientists and is supported by various observations and evidence.

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All living organisms of Earth, including those on the land and in the water and air, are considered part of which subsystem?

Explanation
The biosphere refers to the zone of the Earth where life exists. It includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in the air. Therefore, all living organisms of Earth, regardless of their habitat, are considered part of the biosphere. The hydrosphere refers to all the water on Earth, the geosphere refers to the solid Earth, and the atmosphere refers to the layer of gases surrounding the planet.

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The lithosphere is made up of?

Explanation
The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. This layer is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. The crust is the outermost layer, and the upper mantle lies just beneath it. Together, they make up the lithosphere, which plays a crucial role in plate tectonics and the Earth's geological processes.

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At a divergent plate boundary.

Explanation
At a divergent plate boundary, the plates move apart. This is because the underlying mantle material is rising and creating new crust, which pushes the plates away from each other. As the plates move apart, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new oceanic crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading and is responsible for the formation of mid-ocean ridges.

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Alfred Wegener named the one large continent

Explanation
Alfred Wegener named the one large continent Pangaea. Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, approximately 335-175 million years ago. It was made up of all the major landmasses on Earth, including what is now known as Africa, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, which suggested that the continents were once joined together in Pangaea and gradually drifted apart over time. This theory revolutionized our understanding of Earth's geological history. Eurasia and Laurasia are not correct answers as they refer to different landmasses in different time periods.

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Which is false about the theory of plate tectonics?

It proposed that the uppermost mantle, along with the overlying crust, behaves as a strong, rigid layer.

Correct Answer
C. It is the idea that the continents are slowly drifting further away from each other.

Explanation
The theory of plate tectonics does not propose that the continents are slowly drifting further away from each other. Instead, it suggests that the continents are constantly moving, but not necessarily away from each other. The theory states that the earth's crust is broken into plates that float on the asthenosphere, and these plates can move in different directions, including towards each other (convergent boundaries), away from each other (divergent boundaries), or sliding past each other (transform boundaries). Therefore, the statement that the continents are slowly drifting further away from each other is false.

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The zone where one plate slides under another is called the

Explanation
A subduction zone is the correct answer because it refers to the area where one tectonic plate is forced underneath another plate. This process occurs when two plates collide, and the denser plate sinks into the mantle. Subduction zones are characterized by intense geological activity, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges. This term accurately describes the specific type of plate boundary where one plate is being subducted beneath another, making it the appropriate choice for the given question.

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The plate boundary where plates slide past each other is called

Explanation
A transform boundary is the correct answer because it refers to a plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally. This type of boundary is characterized by intense tectonic activity, such as earthquakes and the formation of faults. Unlike convergent boundaries where plates collide, divergent boundaries where plates separate, or colliding boundaries where plates merge, a transform boundary does not involve any significant vertical movement or collision between plates.

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Which is not a way a mineral can be identified?

Explanation
A mineral can be identified through various physical properties such as streak, hardness, and luster. However, the state of matter is not a characteristic that can be used to identify a mineral. The state of matter refers to whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas, which is not specific to minerals and can vary depending on external conditions such as temperature and pressure. Therefore, state of matter is not a reliable way to identify a mineral.

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Which element is the most abundant in the earth's crust?

Explanation
Oxygen is the most abundant element in the earth's crust. It makes up about 46.6% of the crust by weight. This is because oxygen is highly reactive and readily combines with other elements to form compounds. It is found in various minerals, rocks, and compounds such as silicon dioxide (quartz) and aluminum oxide (bauxite). Oxygen is essential for supporting life and is a key component of water and many organic molecules.

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The following are sulfides except:

Explanation
Coal is not a sulfide. It is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. While it does contain some sulfur, it is not classified as a sulfide mineral like pyrite, covellite, and chalcocite, which are all compounds containing sulfur as a major component.

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What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Explanation
The given answer is correct because the value of a mineral is determined by its rarity, usefulness, and demand in various industries such as jewelry, construction, and technology. Rocks, on the other hand, do not have the same level of value as minerals. While rocks can be visually appealing, their value is not primarily based on their beauty.

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Hardness is a property that helps identify minerals. Scientists use a scale of 1-10 to show the hardness of a mineral. What number would be given to the hardest?

Explanation
The scale of hardness used by scientists ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. Therefore, the number given to the hardest mineral would be 10.

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What is the term for solid, naturally-occurring material from which a mineral or minerals of economic value can be extracted?

Explanation
Ore is the correct answer because it refers to solid, naturally-occurring material from which minerals of economic value can be extracted. This term is commonly used in the mining industry to describe the material that contains valuable minerals or metals that can be extracted and processed for commercial use.

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Which of the following is an example of metallic mineral deposit?

Explanation
Gold is an example of a metallic mineral deposit because it is a naturally occurring element that has a metallic luster and is malleable and ductile. It is commonly found in veins or nuggets in rocks and is highly valued for its beauty and conductivity. Gold is used in various industries, including jewelry, electronics, and dentistry, making it a valuable and sought-after mineral.

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