AZSCI Crosscutting: Cause and Effect

Question 1

In a coastal area, the removal of mangrove forests for development leads to increased flooding and erosion during storms. What is the most direct cause-and-effect relationship described?

Accepted Answer

Cause: Removal of mangroves; Effect: Reduced protection from storm surge.

Answer

Cause: Increased flooding; Effect: Removal of mangroves.

Answer

Cause: Coastal development; Effect: Growth of mangrove forests.

Answer

Cause: Removal of mangroves; Effect: Increased storm intensity.

Question 2

A student observes that their potted plant is wilting. They hypothesize that a lack of water is the cause. To test this, they water the plant and observe that it becomes firm again. This experiment helps to:

Accepted Answer

Strengthen the evidence for a causal link between lack of water and wilting.

Answer

Prove that all plants wilt without water.

Answer

Establish a correlation between watering and plant health.

Answer

Identify the mechanism of water transport in plants.

Question 3

Data shows that ice cream sales and the number of shark attacks both increase during the summer. Concluding that eating ice cream causes shark attacks is flawed because:

Accepted Answer

Correlation does not imply causation; a third factor (hot weather) is the likely cause of both.

Answer

The data is likely inaccurate.

Answer

Shark attacks cause people to want to eat ice cream.

Answer

There is no statistical relationship between the two variables.

Question 4

The eruption of a large volcano can release massive amounts of ash and sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere. What is a likely effect on the global climate in the year or two following the eruption?

Accepted Answer

A slight global cooling as the particles block sunlight.

Answer

A slight global warming due to the heat released from the volcano.

Answer

No significant effect on the global climate.

Answer

An increase in acid rain, but no temperature change.

Question 5

In the process of natural selection, what is the direct cause of an increase in the frequency of a beneficial trait in a population over many generations?

Accepted Answer

The trait providing a survival or reproductive advantage in a specific environment.

Answer

The random mutation that first created the trait.

Answer

The desire of the organisms to have that trait.

Answer

The migration of new organisms lacking the trait into the population.

Question 6

A ball is rolled down a ramp. Which change would cause the ball to have greater kinetic energy at the bottom of the ramp?

Accepted Answer

Starting the ball from a higher point on the ramp.

Answer

Using a ball with less mass.

Answer

Decreasing the steepness of the ramp.

Answer

Making the surface of the ramp rougher to increase friction.

Question 7

A doctor explains that chronic high blood pressure is a major cause of heart disease. What is the underlying mechanism that links this cause and effect?

Accepted Answer

High blood pressure damages the walls of arteries, making them prone to plaque buildup.

Answer

High blood pressure makes a person feel more stressed, which damages the heart.

Answer

People with high blood pressure tend to have a poor diet, and the diet causes heart disease.

Answer

High blood pressure causes the heart to beat slower, which weakens the heart muscle.