ICAS Earth and Environmental Science 3

Question 1

What is the term for the boundary where two tectonic plates move apart from each other?

Accepted Answer

Divergent boundary

Answer

At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust, as seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Question 2

Which part of the water cycle involves water vapor cooling and turning into liquid water droplets to form clouds?

Accepted Answer

Condensation

Answer

Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and converts to liquid, forming the tiny droplets that make up clouds.

Question 3

A soil sample has a pH of 4. What does this tell you about the soil?

Accepted Answer

It is strongly acidic

Answer

A pH of 4 is well below 7 (neutral), indicating strongly acidic soil, which can affect plant nutrient uptake.

Question 4

What is the primary cause of seasonal changes in temperature experienced in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit

Answer

Earth's axial tilt of about 23.5° causes different hemispheres to receive more direct sunlight at different times of year, creating seasons.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of biomagnification?

Accepted Answer

Pesticides accumulating in higher concentrations in predators than in prey

Answer

Biomagnification occurs when toxic substances like pesticides accumulate at increasing concentrations at higher levels of a food chain.

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