AzM2 Science Assessment

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They convert sunlight into food through photosynthesis

Answer

They consume other organisms for energy

Answer

They break down dead matter into nutrients

Answer

They transport nutrients through the food web

Question 2

A student drops a ball from different heights and measures how high it bounces. What is the INDEPENDENT variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The height from which the ball is dropped

Answer

The height the ball bounces

Answer

The type of surface the ball lands on

Answer

The mass of the ball

Question 3

Water changes from liquid to gas during evaporation. What type of change is this?

Accepted Answer

Physical change, because the water molecules remain H₂O

Answer

Chemical change, because a new substance is formed

Answer

Nuclear change, because atoms are rearranged

Answer

Biological change, because it happens in nature

Question 4

The Earth's layers from outermost to innermost are:

Accepted Answer

Crust, mantle, outer core, inner core

Answer

Core, mantle, crust

Answer

Mantle, crust, core

Answer

Inner core, outer core, crust, mantle

Question 5

Which process in the water cycle returns water from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface?

Accepted Answer

Precipitation

Answer

Evaporation

Answer

Condensation

Answer

Transpiration

Question 6

A scientist observes that plants in a shaded area are shorter than plants of the same species in a sunny area. What is the MOST reasonable explanation?

Accepted Answer

Sunlight is needed for photosynthesis, which provides energy for growth

Answer

Shaded plants receive more water

Answer

Shaded plants have different genetics

Answer

The shade causes the soil to become less fertile