Science Content Knowledge Flashcards
6 cards from real MTEL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Science Content Knowledge flashcards as text
What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it relate to climate change?
Answer: The natural greenhouse effect warms Earth; enhanced greenhouse effect from human-produced gases is causing accelerated warming and climate change
The natural greenhouse effect is essential for life on Earth. The enhanced greenhouse effect, driven by increased CO2 and other greenhouse gases from human activity, is causing accelerated global warming.
What distinguishes a prokaryotic cell from a eukaryotic cell?
Answer: Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotic cells have both
The defining difference is the nucleus: prokaryotic cells (bacteria, archaea) lack a membrane-bound nucleus, while eukaryotic cells (animals, plants, fungi, protists) have a true nucleus.
What is the difference between weathering and erosion in Earth science?
Answer: Weathering is the breakdown of rock material in place; erosion is the transportation of that broken-down material to new locations
Weathering breaks down rocks and minerals in place (physical or chemical). Erosion transports the resulting particles to new locations via water, wind, ice, or gravity.
What is genetic mutation, and why is it significant in the context of evolution?
Answer: A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can be heritable; it introduces new genetic variation that natural selection can act upon
Mutations are changes in DNA sequence that introduce new genetic variation. While many mutations are neutral or harmful, some provide adaptive advantages that natural selection can favor over time.
Which of the following best describes the water cycle (hydrological cycle)?
Answer: The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection in a closed system
The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration, and transpiration.
What is the purpose of a control group in a scientific experiment?
Answer: To provide a baseline for comparison by receiving no experimental treatment, allowing researchers to isolate the effect of the independent variable
A control group receives no experimental treatment (or a standard treatment) and serves as a baseline comparison, allowing researchers to determine whether changes in the experimental group are due to the independent variable.