ICAS Interpreting Scientific Data Questions and Answers

Question 1

A group of students investigated how the amount of light affects the growth of radish plants. They used a single light source and placed identical pots with radish seeds at different distances from it. The table below shows the average height of the seedlings in each pot after 10 days.

| Pot | Distance from Light (cm) | Average Seedling Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | 12 |
| 2 | 20 | 9 |
| 3 | 30 | 6 |
| 4 | 40 | 3 |

Which statement is the most valid conclusion from this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Radish plants grow taller when they receive more light.

Answer

The radish seedlings in Pot 4 were unhealthy.

Answer

All radish plants need at least 12 cm of light to grow.

Answer

The distance from light does not affect radish plant growth.

Question 2

The graph below shows the population of two different species, A and B, in a shared habitat over 15 years. What is the most likely relationship between Species A and Species B based on the data?

[A line graph showing two lines. The Y-axis is 'Population' and the X-axis is 'Year'. The line for Species A (predator) consistently rises after the line for Species B (prey) rises, and falls after the line for Species B falls. The peaks and troughs of Species A's line lag behind Species B's line.]

Accepted Answer

Species A is a predator, and Species B is its prey.

Answer

Species A is a parasite, and Species B is its host.

Answer

Species A and Species B have a mutualistic relationship.

Answer

Species A and Species B compete for the same resources.

Question 3

A scientist tests the effectiveness of four different disinfectants (W, X, Y, Z) on a specific type of bacteria. She prepares four identical petri dishes with the same concentration of bacteria. She then adds an equal amount of each disinfectant to a different dish. After 24 hours, she measures the area in the dish where bacteria did not grow (the zone of inhibition). The results are shown in the bar chart.

[A bar chart with 'Disinfectant' on the X-axis and 'Zone of Inhibition (mm²)' on the Y-axis. The bar for W is at 50, X is at 120, Y is at 80, and Z is at 45.]

Based on the chart, which of the following is the most accurate statement?

Accepted Answer

Disinfectant Z is the least effective at stopping bacterial growth.

Answer

Disinfectant Y is more effective than Disinfectant X.

Answer

Disinfectant W is twice as effective as Disinfectant Z.

Answer

A combination of W and Z would be more effective than X.

Question 4

A student measures the temperature of a beaker of water as it is heated over a Bunsen burner. They record the temperature every two minutes. The table shows their results.

| Time (minutes) | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 20 |
| 2 | 35 |
| 4 | 50 |
| 6 | 65 |
| 8 | 80 |
| 10 | 95 |

If the student continues to heat the water under the same conditions, what is the most likely temperature at the 12-minute mark?

Accepted Answer

100°C

Answer

105°C

Answer

110°C

Answer

115°C

Question 5

The diagram below shows a simplified food web for an arctic ecosystem.

[A food web diagram showing: Algae is eaten by Krill. Krill is eaten by Arctic Cod and Seals. Arctic Cod is eaten by Seals. Seals are eaten by Polar Bears.]

If a disease significantly reduces the population of seals, which of the following is the most probable immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

The polar bear population will decrease.

Answer

The krill population will increase.

Answer

The polar bear population will increase.

Answer

The Arctic cod population will decrease.

Question 6

A study was conducted to determine the effect of soil pH on the number of flowers produced by a certain plant species. The results are presented in the scatter plot graph below.

[A scatter plot graph with 'Soil pH' on the X-axis (from 4 to 10) and 'Average Number of Flowers' on the Y-axis. The data points form an inverted 'U' shape, starting low at pH 4, peaking around pH 6.5-7, and decreasing again towards pH 10.]

What conclusion can be drawn from the data presented in the graph?

Accepted Answer

This plant species produces the most flowers in soil that is close to neutral pH.

Answer

As the soil pH increases, the number of flowers consistently increases.

Answer

This plant species produces the most flowers in highly acidic soil.

Answer

The number of flowers is not affected by soil pH.