Science in the news quiz

DIRECTIONS: Read the late-breaking news in our Science News section on pages 4 to 7. Then test your knowledge by answering the questions below. Circle the correct letter.

1. Why would a scientist collect dung to analyze elephant DNA samples?

a. The method doesn't harm the animals.

b. It contains more DNA than a blood sample.

c. Blood doesn't contain any DNA.

d. Dung DNA provides the most accurate genetic information.

2. Which of the following is false about West African elephants?

a. They look like savanna elephants.

b. They look like forest elephants.

c. Their DNA is different from other African elephant species.

d. They are genetically identical to other African elephant species.

3. The process of speciation occurs

a. over long periods of time.

b. when animals become separated.

c. when a group of animals' genes become different from their relatives' genes.

d. all of the above.

4. Which statement describes how humans hear?.

a. Vibrations in the jaw move up to the ear.

b. Invisible waves of energy flow into the brain through the ears.

c. Sound waves vibrate the inner ear.

d. Radio waves vibrate the inner ear.

5. Which statement about the molar mobile is true?

a. It works like a normal cell phone.

b. It works because a sound wave travels up your jaw to the inner ear.

c. It converts sound waves into radio waves.

d. You dial calls with your tongue.

6. Why did the ozone hole shrink this year?

a. A ban on ozone-destroying CFCs was imposed last year.

b. The stratosphere over Antarctica was warmer.

c. Ozone molecules from other parts of the atmosphere filled in the hole.

d. It didn't shrink--it just split into two smaller holes.

7. Overall, the size of the ozone hole has

a. increased.

b. decreased.

c. stayed the same.

d. increased quickly and then leveled off.

8. Why is the ozone layer Important?

a. It helps warm Earth.

b. It absorbs dangerous CFCs.

c. It shields the planet from solar radiation.

d. It's not important.

TAKE IT FURTHER

1. Scientists are using genetic research to help conserve many animal species. Research and report on one besides the elephant.

2. Create a diagram of Earth's atmospheric layers. Include the altitude of each layer, along with its chemical composition and temperature.

1. a 2. c 3. d 4. c 5. b 6.b 7. a 8. c

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