HiSET Science Practice Test 1
Ancestors of the giant panda had rounded paws with five very short toes. Today, the giant panda has a sixth toe, often referred to as a thumb, even though it develops from a wrist bone. This unique thumb is an adaptation that allows the panda to easily hold and eat bamboo shoots. The presence of the giant panda’s thumb is most likely the result of
Which of the following outcomes of aberrant chromosomal numbers in newborns?
Down syndrome can occur in newborns who have an incorrect number of chromosomes. Chromosome 21 is the specific chromosome that causes Down syndrome when there are three copies instead of the normal two. A trisomy is what this is.
The timeline below depicts when the Trianis Volcano has erupted. Geologists discuss "recurrence intervals" which represent an average time between past events. The black circles represent when the Trianis Volcano had a confirmed eruption. The triangle represents a suspected but not confirmed eruption. The timeline shows that volcanic eruptions tend to happen at regular intervals. According to this timeline, in which year would a volcanic eruption also have been expected?
This trait aids a flounder in blending in with the gravel on the ocean floor, in accordance with Darwin's theory of natural selection:
A flounder's camouflage helps it blend in with the seafloor pebbles. According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, some traits may provide an organism a reproductive advantage. A flounder that can conceal itself from predators will be able to survive.
The diagram below shows various ecological communities that occupied an area over a period of 300 years. Which statement best describes the diagram?
The timeline below depicts when the Trianis Volcano has erupted. Geologists discuss "recurrence intervals" which represent an average time between past events. The black circles represent when the Trianis Volcano had a confirmed eruption. The triangle represents a suspected but not confirmed eruption. Which of the following events follows a predictable timeline similar to the volcanic eruptions.
The timeline below depicts when the Trianis Volcano has erupted. Geologists discuss "recurrence intervals" which represent an average time between past events. The black circles represent when the Trianis Volcano had a confirmed eruption. The triangle represents a suspected but not confirmed eruption. Which of the following statements represents an hypothesis rather than a fact?
The five Great Lakes make up 95% of the United States’ fresh water supply. The Great Lakes are estimated to have been formed at the end of the last glacial period (about 10,000 years ago), when the Laurentide ice sheet receded. The retreat of the ice sheet left behind a large amount of meltwater. Today, chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides from the agriculture industry and toxic wastes from factories have polluted the Lakes. Higher temperatures and reduced precipitation have contributed to lower water levels, leading to costly efforts to dig out harbors and to open shipping lanes. A hard freeze that affected Lakes Superior, Huron, and Erie during the winter of 2003 forced ships carrying industrial products to delay shipments or risk being trapped in the 2-foot-thick ice. Which process originally contributed most to the amount of water contained in the Great Lakes?
The generalized cross section below shows the sedimentary rock layers at Niagara Falls in western New York State. Which rock layer appears to be most resistant to weathering and erosion?
Where is the moon in relation to Earth during a solar eclipse?
The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun during a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse can be total or partial. During a solar eclipse, the moon either completely or partially hides the sun during the day, making the sky darker.
Which of the following makes for the best electrical conductor?
The best conductors of electricity are metals. The best metal conductor is silver, but it is pricey. Despite not being as effective as silver, copper is nonetheless more frequently used because of its lower cost.
What results when a strong static discharge moves between two airborne objects?
A significant static discharge that travels between two airborne objects produces lightning. A burst of bright light results from an air discharge. The interaction of ice particles in storm clouds is frequently cited as the cause of the charge.
The five Great Lakes make up 95% of the United States’ fresh water supply. The Great Lakes are estimated to have been formed at the end of the last glacial period (about 10,000 years ago), when the Laurentide ice sheet receded. The retreat of the ice sheet left behind a large amount of meltwater. Today, chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides from the agriculture industry and toxic wastes from factories have polluted the Lakes. Higher temperatures and reduced precipitation have contributed to lower water levels, leading to costly efforts to dig out harbors and to open shipping lanes. A hard freeze that affected Lakes Superior, Huron, and Erie during the winter of 2003 forced ships carrying industrial products to delay shipments or risk being trapped in the 2-foot-thick ice. A student receives an assignment to research and write a report on a nonrenewable resource of the Great Lakes region. Which of the following resources would be an appropriate choice?
A material's particle temperature has increased because .
Thermal energy is the result of the particles in a material becoming hotter. Increased molecular mobility is what produces heat. Thermal energy occurs naturally in a variety of forms.
Which of the following describes having three copies of a chromosome?
The typical chromosomal pattern is called disomy, or pairs of chromosomes. A chromosome deficiency is known as monosomy, and an extra chromosome is known as trisomy. Down's syndrome is caused by the 21th chromosomal pair being trisomic. Four and five copies of a chromosome are referred to as tetrasomy and pentasomy, respectively. Both often only appear with sex chromosomes.