ACT Success - Science - Practice #1
There are several passages in this test. Each passage is followed by several questions. After reading a passage, choose the best answer to each question. You may refer to the passages as often as necessary. You are NOT permitted to use a calculator on this test.
Group 1
Researchers investigated how different light wavelengths affect the growth of a common houseplant. Over a period of 30 days, plants were exposed to different wavelengths, and their growth metrics were recorded.
Question 1a
According to the table, which light wavelength promotes the greatest average leaf size?
450 nm
550 nm
650 nm
750 nm
Question 1b
If the experiment were to continue for an additional 30 days under the same conditions, which light wavelength would likely support the highest number of leaves based on current data?
450 nm
550 nm
650 nm
750 nm
Question 1c
If it was found that leaf size decreases over time under the 750 nm wavelength, which hypothesis could researchers reasonably test next?
The red to far-red light ratio affects leaf size
Decreasing light intensity leads to increased leaf size
Plants undergo stress under far-red light
Leaf size is independent of light wavelength
Group 2
Researchers have documented how birds in urban environments alter their singing patterns to cope with increased noise pollution. They noted changes in frequency, amplitude, and duration of the bird songs.
Implications of Urban Noise on Avian Communication In a recent scientific study on urban avian adaptation, researchers focused on how birds modify their vocal behavior in response to noise pollution in urban environments. The study revealed that birds increase the minimum frequencies of their songs to ensure their calls penetrate the prevalent low-frequency urban noise. This adjustment is crucial for maintaining effective communication necessary for mating and territorial defense. Additionally, the study observed that some bird species increase their song amplitude and concentrate energy into a narrower bandwidth to enhance signal detectability, mirroring the human Lombard effect where individuals speak louder in noisy settings. The ability to modify song characteristics varied significantly among species, with some showing flexibility to immediately adjust their songs in response to fluctuating noise levels, while others maintained more consistent song patterns. The research also highlighted that the impact of urban noise on birds is not exclusively detrimental. Urban environments may offer additional resources such as abundant food and reduced predator threats, which can compensate for the acoustic challenges posed by urban noise. This complex interplay suggests that urban adaptation in birds involves both behavioral flexibility and ecological trade-offs, underscoring the nuanced ways in which urban life influences avian species.
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Question 2a
According to the study, what is the primary reason birds in urban environments raise the minimum frequencies of their songs?
To communicate over longer distances.
To penetrate low-frequency urban noise.
To attract more mates.
To decrease energy expenditure in song production.
Question 2b
The study observed variations in birds' responses to urban noise. Which adaptation is comparable to the human Lombard effect?
Birds decreasing the duration of their songs.
Birds singing at lower frequencies.
Birds singing louder and with more focused energy.
Birds reducing the number of their calls.
Question 2c
What implication might the study's findings on varied species adaptability have for future urban planning concerning green spaces?
Planning may prioritize areas known to have quieter surroundings to support species with less flexible song adaptations.
Urban planning is unlikely to consider bird song adaptations as a factor in development.
Green spaces should be designed to amplify urban noise to encourage adaptive behaviors.
All bird species will benefit uniformly from increased urban green spaces.
Question 2d
Considering the study’s conclusion that urban environments can offer advantages like increased food resources, which statement would a researcher most likely agree with regarding the overall impact of urban noise on birds?
Urban noise has a universally negative impact on bird populations.
The benefits provided by urban settings can sometimes offset the negative impacts of noise.
Urban noise benefits bird populations more than it harms them.
Bird populations in urban settings are less successful than those in rural settings.
Group 3
Coastal Erosion Theories
Three geologists provide different explanations for the mechanisms driving coastal erosion in various environments.
Geologist 1 This expert believes that the primary mechanism of coastal erosion is the physical impact of wave action. As waves crash against the shoreline, they erode rock and sand, carrying materials away through processes known as hydraulic action and abrasion. This geologist argues that the direct mechanical force of water is the most significant factor in shaping coastlines, particularly in areas with high wave energy. Geologist 2 The second geologist focuses on the role of chemical weathering in coastal erosion. According to this theory, the chemical composition of seawater, which includes salts and acids, reacts with the minerals in coastal rocks, weakening them and making them more susceptible to erosion. This process is particularly effective in regions with softer, limestone coastlines where chemical weathering can lead to significant landscape changes over time. Geologist 3 The third expert emphasizes the influence of human activities on accelerating coastal erosion. This geologist points to coastal development, such as the construction of buildings, roads, and seawalls, which can alter natural water flows and sediment deposition. Additionally, the removal of vegetation for development or agriculture reduces the land’s natural resilience against erosion. This theory suggests that anthropogenic factors are a crucial and often dominant component of coastal erosion in populated areas.
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Question 3a
According to Geologist 2, which coastal feature is most susceptible to erosion due to chemical weathering?
Granite cliffs
Sandy beaches
Limestone coastlines
Volcanic islands
Question 3b
If a study found increased rates of coastal erosion in an area following extensive construction of coastal defenses, this observation would most support the explanation provided by which geologist?
Geologist 1
Geologist 2
Geologist 3
None of the above
Question 3c
Suppose a new technology was developed that could significantly reinforce the structural integrity of limestone without altering its chemical properties. How would this likely affect the viewpoints of Geologist 2 regarding the primary factors contributing to coastal erosion?
It would strengthen their argument, as the technology counters non-chemical erosion processes.
It would weaken their argument, as chemical erosion would remain a significant factor.
It would not affect their viewpoint, as their focus is on natural chemical processes.
It would require a reevaluation of their theory, depending on whether erosion rates decline.
Question 3d
If a longitudinal study observed that regions with minimal human activity also experienced significant coastal erosion, which geologist's theory would be most challenged by this finding?
Geologist 1, as their theory does not account for human impact.
Geologist 2, since their theory relies heavily on chemical processes.
Geologist 3, as their theory emphasizes anthropogenic factors.
Both Geologist 2 and Geologist 3, as natural processes are still significant.
Group 4
In this study, researchers examined how the height of a peak section (in meters) influences the percentage of the year that the section is exposed to wind erosion. The graphs (labeled A through D) each propose a different possible relationship between peak section height and wind exposure. The x-axis represents peak section height, ranging from 0 to 6 meters, while the y-axis represents the percentage of the year that the peak section is exposed to wind erosion, ranging from 0% to 50%. The researchers aim to determine which graph best represents the actual relationship between height and wind exposure, helping to understand how peak height might shield or expose areas to erosive wind forces throughout the year.
Question 4a
If observations show that higher peak sections are consistently exposed to more wind erosion than lower sections, which graph best represents this relationship?
Graph A
Graph B
Graph C
Graph D
Question 4b
Assume researchers found that wind exposure remains high near the ground level and gradually decreases with increasing height due to natural windbreaks created by the terrain. Which graph would most accurately illustrate this relationship?
Graph A
Graph B
Graph C
Graph D
Question 4c
If wind exposure is observed to decrease linearly with increasing peak height, likely due to a protective effect from surrounding structures or vegetation, which graph would correctly represent this pattern?
Graph A
Graph B
Graph C
Graph D
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