M-STEP Science Assessment 5

Question 1

Which best explains why some traits become more common in a population over many generations?

Accepted Answer

Traits that help survival are more likely to be passed on

Answer

Natural selection favors traits that improve survival and reproduction, making them more common over time.

Question 2

In an electrical circuit, which component is used to control the flow of electric current by opening or closing the circuit?

Accepted Answer

Switch

Answer

A switch opens or closes a circuit, either stopping or allowing electric current to flow.

Question 3

A student observes layers of sedimentary rock in a cliff. Which layer is most likely the oldest?

Accepted Answer

The bottom layer

Answer

According to the law of superposition, in undisturbed rock layers, the bottom layer was deposited first and is oldest.

Question 4

Which process allows fish to obtain oxygen from water?

Accepted Answer

They extract dissolved oxygen using gills

Answer

Fish use gills to extract dissolved oxygen from water as it passes over the gill filaments.

Question 5

When a light ray passes from air into glass, it slows down and bends. This bending of light is called:

Accepted Answer

Refraction

Answer

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

(M-STEP) Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress Practice Test