Free ACT Science: Conflicting Viewpoints Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Scientist 1 argues that the observed acceleration in cosmic expansion is caused by dark energy — a repulsive force embedded in the fabric of space.
Scientist 2 argues it results from a massive cosmic void through which our galaxy happens to be moving.
The discovery that the acceleration rate is identical in all directions would most support:

Accepted Answer

Scientist 1, because dark energy acts uniformly in all directions throughout space

Answer

Scientist 2, because voids extend uniformly outward from a center

Answer

Neither scientist, since directional uniformity contradicts both theories

Answer

Both scientists equally, as this data is consistent with either model

Question 2

Two ecologists disagree about wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone. Ecologist A says wolves restored the ecosystem by reducing overgrazing by elk. Ecologist B says river channel changes attributed to wolves were actually caused by climate shifts and rainfall changes. Which evidence would most strengthen Ecologist B's position?

Accepted Answer

Records showing that river channel changes began before wolf reintroduction

Answer

Evidence that elk populations declined significantly after wolf reintroduction

Answer

Documentation that wolves preferentially hunt near riverbanks

Answer

Records showing that plant growth increased after wolves returned

Question 3

Student 1 argues that the Moon formed from debris ejected when a Mars-sized body struck early Earth (Giant Impact Hypothesis). Student 2 argues the Moon was a separately formed body captured by Earth's gravity. The Moon's oxygen isotope ratios are nearly identical to Earth's. This evidence:

Accepted Answer

Supports Student 1, since a collision would mix Earth's material into the Moon

Answer

Supports Student 2, since captured bodies have different isotope ratios from their captors

Answer

Equally supports both students

Answer

Contradicts both hypotheses

Question 4

Researcher A claims a new insecticide is safe for bees because lab tests showed no bee mortality at recommended concentrations. Researcher B claims the insecticide is dangerous because field studies showed 40% colony collapse. Which methodological factor best explains the difference?

Accepted Answer

Lab conditions cannot replicate complex field exposures — bees in the field encounter sublethal doses through food, water, and multiple routes simultaneously

Answer

Researcher A used higher concentrations than Researcher B

Answer

Researcher B's field colonies were diseased before the study

Answer

The recommended concentration was determined incorrectly by Researcher A

Question 5

Geologist 1 argues that the Grand Canyon was carved gradually over millions of years by the Colorado River. Geologist 2 argues it was carved rapidly by catastrophic flooding from a glacial lake overflow. Which finding would most support Geologist 1?

Accepted Answer

Sediment layers within the canyon showing consistent, gradual deposition rates over millions of years

Answer

Evidence of giant ripple marks on the canyon floor typical of catastrophic floods

Answer

Discovery of lake bed sediments upstream of the canyon

Answer

Carbon dating of organic material in the canyon floor to 10,000 years ago

Question 6

Scientist 1 proposes that declining bee populations are primarily due to pesticide use. Scientist 2 proposes habitat loss is the primary cause. A study finds that bee populations in areas with pesticide use but abundant wildflower corridors are stable, while populations in pesticide-free areas with reduced habitat are declining. This study:

Accepted Answer

Supports Scientist 2, because habitat availability appears more critical than pesticide exposure to population stability

Answer

Conclusively proves Scientist 1 wrong

Answer

Supports Scientist 1, because bees near pesticides still decline eventually

Answer

Cannot be used to support either scientist