Science Flashcards

Which type of natural selection favors individuals with extreme traits over average ones?

Answer: Disruptive selection

Disruptive selection favors individuals at both extremes of a trait distribution, reducing the number of average individuals over time.

What is the primary role of decomposers in a food web?

Answer: Break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients

Decomposers like fungi and bacteria break down dead organisms and waste, returning essential nutrients to the soil.

Which subatomic particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?

Answer: Protons and neutrons

The atomic nucleus contains protons (positive charge) and neutrons (no charge); electrons orbit the nucleus.

A ball rolling down a hill converts which type of energy to kinetic energy?

Answer: Potential energy

As the ball rolls down, its gravitational potential energy (due to height) is converted into kinetic energy (motion).

What property of water allows it to travel up narrow tubes in plants against gravity?

Answer: Capillary action

Capillary action, driven by water's adhesion to tube walls and cohesion among water molecules, allows water to move upward through plant xylem.

Which of the following is an example of a mutualistic relationship?

Answer: Bees collecting nectar while pollinating flowers

Bees and flowering plants share a mutualistic relationship — bees get food (nectar) while plants get pollinated.

The moon's gravitational pull on Earth's oceans is responsible for which phenomenon?

Answer: Tides

The moon's gravitational pull creates tidal forces that cause the rise and fall of ocean water levels, known as tides.