MTEL Science Content Knowledge 2

Question 1

What distinguishes a physical change from a chemical change in matter?

Accepted Answer

In a physical change the composition of the substance remains the same; in a chemical change a new substance with different properties is formed

Answer

A physical change involves a color change; a chemical change does not

Answer

Physical changes are reversible; chemical changes always are not

Answer

Physical changes involve solids; chemical changes involve liquids

Question 2

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem

Answer

They produce organic matter through photosynthesis

Answer

They consume other living organisms for energy

Answer

They regulate the population of primary consumers

Question 3

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web in ecology?

Accepted Answer

A food chain shows one linear feeding sequence; a food web shows multiple interconnected feeding relationships in an ecosystem

Answer

A food chain applies to marine ecosystems; a food web applies to terrestrial ecosystems

Answer

A food chain is more accurate than a food web for representing energy flow

Answer

A food web shows only predator-prey relationships; a food chain shows all ecological relationships

Question 4

Which of the following describes the process of natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with heritable traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully, passing those traits to offspring

Answer

Organisms intentionally change their traits to better survive in their environment

Answer

All members of a species change their traits simultaneously in response to environmental pressure

Answer

Traits acquired during an organism lifetime are passed on to offspring

Question 5

What is the difference between an element and a compound in chemistry?

Accepted Answer

An element consists of one type of atom; a compound consists of two or more elements chemically bonded together

Answer

An element contains multiple types of atoms; a compound contains only one type

Answer

An element is a liquid; a compound is a solid

Answer

An element can be broken down by heating; a compound cannot

Question 6

What is the primary function of the mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Producing energy (ATP) through cellular respiration

Answer

Synthesizing proteins from amino acids

Answer

Controlling cell division and reproduction

Answer

Manufacturing and transporting lipids and proteins