OCE 1001 Exam 1
The great oxidation event resulted in the massive die-off of which of the following? a) Blue-green algae b) Land plants c) Anaerobic bacteria d) Dinosaurs
Anaerobic bacteria
were the dominant navigators of the Mediterranean Sea in the Middle Ages.
Arabs
Which ocean basin is currently covered by extensive sea ice for much of the year? a) Atlantic Ocean b) Southern Ocean c) Arctic Ocean d) Pacific Ocean e) Indian Ocean
Arctic Ocean
What part of the continent(s) create the best fit when trying to piece them back together like a puzzle into the supercontinent Pangaea? a) Continental rise b) Continental shelf c) Shoreline d) Continental slope e) Continental margin
Continental margin
The Himalayan Mountains and Alps are geographic examples of which type of plate boundary? a) Convergent b) Transform c) Divergent
Convergent
Which of the following ideas support our current scientific understanding of the development of life on Earth? a) Primitive life likely existed without the need for oxygen. b) The "prebiotic soup" of the primitive oceans provided favorable conditions for life to develop. c) The most primitive life on Earth needed sunlight to metabolize food. d) Early organisms evolved into more complex organisms over geologic time. e) As life evolved it significantly changed Earth's environment.
a, b, d, e
An organism's response to environmental changes are called ________. a) evolution b) mutations c) adaptations d) natural selection e) species
adaptations
Radioactive materials can sometimes be used to determine the: a) chemical composition of rocks. b) ages of rocks. c) formation method. d) metamorphism. e) origin of rocks.
ages of rocks
The nebular hypothesis suggests that ________. a) Earth's moon is an asteroid captured by the Earth's gravity b) the Earth was formed by a cosmic explosion, a "big bang" c) the Moon is derived from a protoplanet d) galaxies such as the Milky Way form independent of one another e) all bodies in the solar system formed from an enormous gas cloud
all bodies in the solar system formed from an enormous gas cloud
Where are most modern divergent plate boundaries found? a) at transform boundaries b) at subduction zones c) within continents d) at continental margins e) at mid-ocean ridges
at mid-ocean ridges
According to the fossil record on Earth, the earliest-known life-forms were primitive ________. a) plants b) reptiles c) shells d) bacteria
bacteria
Evidence suggests that the Sun and the rest of the solar system formed about five ________ years ago.
billion
Which of the following contributed to the salinity of the ocean? Choose all that apply. a) The evolution of life on Earth. b) The differences in oceanic and continental crust. c) Chlorine gas from the atmosphere was dissolved in the water. d) Runoff caused dissolved elements to enter the ocean. e) The creation of acid rain from volcanic outgassing.
c, d, e
Which ocean is actually a part of three other oceans? a) The Southern Ocean b) The Atlantic Ocean c) The Arctic Ocean d) The Pacific Ocean e) The Indian Ocean
the Southern Ocean
What is the scientific definition of half-life? a) the number of daughter isotopes that will be gained during a single radioactive decay event b) the amount of time over which the number of daughter isotopes increases by half c) the amount of time over which the number of parent isotopes decreases by half d) the number of parent isotopes that will be lost during a single radioactive decay event Submit
the amount of time over which the number of parent isotopes decreases by half
During the present phase...
the atmosphere was composed of increased amounts of atmospheric oxygen, which caused the ozone concentration in the stratosphere to increase
During the initial phase..
the atmosphere was composed of leftover gases from the nebula
During the early phase...
the atmosphere was composed of mostly water vapor (steam), small amounts of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and other gases
Frederick Vine and Drummond Matthews determined that new ocean floor was being produced at ocean ridges by examining: a) the magnetic pattern of rocks on the seafloor. b) fossils in marine sediments. c) apparent polar wandering. d) the location of ancient coral reefs. e) glacial debris at various locations.
the magnetic pattern of rocks on the seafloor.
The mechanism by which populations evolve and new species develop is called: a) adaptation b) evolution c) intelligent design d) descent with modification e) natural selection
natural selection
Which type of faulting is associated with the development of new ocean floor? a) normal faulting b) back faulting c) transform faulting d) front faulting e) reverse faulting
normal faulting
The most likely place for the basic building blocks for the development of life to interact and produce life is in Earth's ________. a) atmosphere b) oceans c) meteorites d) mantle e) lithosphere
oceans
Plate tectonics and evolution, which are held with a high degree of confidence because of rigorous testing and verification, are examples of: a) laws b) observations c) theories d) hypotheses e) guesses
theories
Based on chemical composition, Earth consists of ________ layers a) three b) four c) two d) five
three
Based on physical properties, Earth consists of ________ layers a) four b) two c) three d) five
two
Current scientific knowledge indicates that the most likely origin of most of Earth's oceans was due to ________. a) release of liquid water from the core b) water vapor released from volcanic outgassing c) comets from outer space d) water-bearing minerals found in meteorites
water vapor released from volcanic outgassing
When do new oceans form? a) when an ocean is broken apart by a divergent boundary b) when a continent is broken apart by a convergent boundary c) when an ocean is broken apart by a convergent boundary d) when a continent is broken apart by an ocean boundary e) when a continent is broken apart by a divergent boundary
when a continent is broken apart by a divergent boundary
Where do most divergent boundaries originate? a) within continents b) at transform boundaries c) at mid-ocean ridges d) at subduction zones e) at continental margins
within continents
Tectonic plates move about as fast as ________. a) your fingernails grow b) a snail crawls c) a river flows d) grass grows in the summer e) a child crawls
your fingernails grow
Oxygen comprises about ________ percent of the Earth's present atmosphere. a) 40 b) 30 c) 60 d) 20 e) 50
20
The average depth of the world's oceans is approximately ________. a) 11,022 meters (36,161 feet) b) 3,682 meters (12,080 feet) c) 5,280 meters (17,323 feet) d) 840 meters (2,756 feet) e) 2,172 meters (7,126 feet)
3,682 meters (12,080 feet)
The oceans cover approximately ________ percent of the Earth's surface. a) 90 b) 60 c) 70 d) 80 e) 50
70
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding Earth's oceans? a) NASA satellites fly over Antarctica. b) The Indian Ocean is about 7% the size of the Pacific Ocean. c) Earth's ocean is one big interconnected body of water. d) The Southern Ocean is one of the least-studied areas on planet Earth. e) The Arctic is a continent surrounded by land, whereas the Antarctic is an ocean surrounded by continents. Submit
A, C, D
Which of the following statements about the Pacific Ocean is TRUE? a) The Pacific Ocean is the second largest geographic feature on the planet. b) The Pacific Ocean covers more than two-thirds of the ocean surface area on Earth. c) The Pacific Ocean spans more than one-half of Earth's entire surface. d) The Pacific Ocean is about three times larger than the next largest ocean. e) All of the continents could fit into the space occupied by the Pacific Ocean.
All of the continents could fit into the space occupied by the Pacific Ocean.
Which layer of the earth behaves in a plastic manner?
Asthenosphere
Consider an interdisciplinary study that is aimed at understanding how ocean currents affect the distribution of coral larvae. What two disciplines of oceanography would the researchers be focused on? a) Biological and chemical oceanography b) Biological and physical oceanography c) Geological and physical oceanography d) Chemical and physical oceanography e) Chemical and geological oceanography
Biological and physical oceanography
Who of the following is thought to be the first Viking to have seen what is now called Newfoundland? a) Leif Eriksson b) Erik Thorvaldson c) Bjarni Herjolfsson d) Thor Heyerdahl e) Prince Henry the Navigator
Bjarni Herjolfsson
Trilobites were dominant during which geologic period? a) Cambrian b) Permian c) Jurassic d) Ordovician e) Devonian
Cambrian
was an English navigator who determined the outline of the Pacific Ocean and was the first person known to cross the Antarctic Circle.
Captain James Cook
was an Italian navigator who made a total of four trips across the Atlantic. He was erroneously credited with discovering North America
Christopher Columbus
Which of the following is an example of the embryonic stage of the Wilson Cycle? a) Pacific Ocean b) East Africa c) Red Sea d) Atlantic Ocean e) Mediterranean
East Africa
Who is credited with being the first person to accurately determine Earth's circumference? a) Erik Thorvaldson b) Claudius Ptolemy c) Eratosthenes d) Christopher Columbus e) Pytheas
Eratosthenes
used the polar North Star to determine latitude (distance from the equator).
Greeks
The explorer who advanced oceanography by introducing systematic soundings, or depth measurements, was __________. a) Christopher Columbus b) James Cameron c) Leif Erikson d) Juan Sebastian del Cano e) James Cook
James Cook
Who left Spain in September 1519 and became the first person to complete a circumnavigation of the globe when he returned to Spain three years later? a) Ferdinand Magellan b) Vasco da Gama c) Juan Sebastian del Caño d) Giovanni Caboto e) Vasco Nunez de Balboa
Juan Sebastian del Caño
Which of the following is Earth's rigid layer that includes the crust plus the topmost portion of the mantle? a) Asthenosphere b) Inner core c) Lithosphere d) Mesosphere e) Outer core
Lithosphere
Which of the following represents Earth's plates that are involved in plate tectonic motion? a) Asthenosphere b) Inner core c) Lithosphere d) Mesosphere e) Outer core
Lithosphere
How did the view of the ocean by early Mediterranean cultures influence the naming of planet Earth? a) Mediterranean cultures believed Earth was composed of large land masses surrounded by marginal bodies of water. b) Mediterranean cultures believed Earth was composed of small land masses surrounded by large bodies of water. c) Mediterranean cultures believed Earth was composed of small land masses surrounded by marginal bodies of water. d) Mediterranean cultures believed Earth was composed of large land masses surrounded by large bodies of water.
Mediterranean cultures believed Earth was composed of large land masses surrounded by marginal bodies of water.
What does NOAA stand for?
National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration
The Kuiper Belt is located beyond the orbit of which planet? a) Pluto b) Mars c) Saturn d) Neptune e) Jupiter
Neptune
________ are events and phenomena that we can detect with our senses. a) Observations b) Laws c) Hypothesis d) Guesses e) Theories
Observation
What are the major steps involved in the process of science?
Observation, hypothesis, testing, and theory
Most large earthquakes occur along which of the following? a) Ocean trenches b) Other faults in the sea floor c) Faults on land d) Mid-ocean ridges
Ocean trenches
In which period did the first fishes appear? a) Devonian b) Cambrian c) Ordovician d) Silurian
Ordovician
Which layer of the Earth is composed of a liquid? a) Inner core b) Mesosphere c) Lithosphere d) Outer core e) Asthenosphere
Outer core
Over the last 186 years, how has the location of Earth's magnetic north pole changed? a) The location of Earth's magnetic north pole has moved in a southeasterly direction. b) The location of Earth's magnetic north pole has not changed over the last 186 years. c) The location of Earth's magnetic north pole has moved in a southwesterly direction. d) Over the last 186 years, the location of Earth's magnetic north pole has moved in a northwesterly direction. e) The location of Earth's magnetic north pole has moved in a northeasterly direction.
Over the last 186 years, the location of Earth's magnetic north pole has moved in a northwesterly direction.
Which of the following was not abundant in the early atmosphere? a) Water vapor (steam) b) Hydrogen c) Oxygen d) Carbon dioxide
Oxygen
Which is the largest tectonic plate? a) Pacific b) Arabian c) North American d) South American e) Philippine
Pacific
were some of the first navigators; they used stick charts to navigate the sea
Pacific Islanders
The largest of the ocean basins, which currently covers more than half of the ocean surface, is the: a) Arctic Ocean b) Southern Ocean c) Pacific Ocean d) Indian Ocean e) Atlantic Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Which of the following is the largest natural geographic feature on Earth?
Pacific Ocean
Waters from which ocean basins combine to form the Southern Ocean? Choose all that apply. a) Caspian sea b) Pacific c) Indian d) Atlantic e) Arctic
Pacific, Indian, Atlantic
Which of the following was not used as evidence for continental drift? a) The fit of the continents b) Past glacial activity c) Paleomagnetic reversals d) The distribution of organisms e) Matching sequences of rocks
Paleomagnetic reversals
What happens during radioactive decay? a) Parent isotopes turn into daughter isotopes. b) Parent isotopes turn into energy. c) Daughter isotopes turn into energy. d) Energy turns into daughter isotopes. e) Daughter isotopes turn into parent isotopes. Submit
Parent isotopes turn into daughter isotopes.
The first recorded circumnavigation of Africa was made by the ________.
Phoenicians
were the first humans from the Western Hemisphere to develop the art of navigation
Phoenicians
Which of the following was true about the Protoearth? a) Protoearth had one large ocean. b) Protoearth had early primitive life forms. c) Protoearth's deep structure was homogeneous. d) Protoearth's size was smaller than today's Earth.
Protoearth's deep structure was homogeneous.
The method of determining latitude in the Northern Hemisphere by measuring the angle between an observer's line of site to the North Star and line of site to the northern horizon was developed by: a) Herodotus b) Pytheas c) Eratosphenes d) Ptolemy e) Seneca
Pytheas
Prior to 1768, which of the following claimed the most human lives at sea? a) Contagious disease b) Scurvy c) Shipwreck d) Gunfire
Scurvy
What is the difference between an ocean and a sea? a) Seas are smaller, shallower, composed of freshwater, and are somewhat enclosed by land. b) Seas are smaller and shallower bodies of salt water that are somewhat enclosed by land, but they are directly connected to the world ocean. c) There is no difference between oceans and seas. d) Seas are larger and deeper bodies of water that are composed of both fresh and salt water, and they are directly connected to the world ocean. e) Seas are bodies of water that are composed of salt water, but they are enclosed by land and therefore not directly connected to the world ocean.
Seas are smaller and shallower bodies of salt water that are somewhat enclosed by land, but they are directly connected to the world ocean.
What did Stanley Miller's experiment demonstrate? a) Stanley Miller's experiments demonstrated the salinity of the oceans using synthesized prebiotic materials. b) Stanley Miller's experiment demonstrated that vast amounts of simple organic molecules could have been produced in Earth's early oceans (a "prebiotic soup"). c) Stanley Miller's experiment demonstrated how the water that makes up the oceans and atmosphere could be outgassed from Earth's interior. d) Stanley Miller's experiment demonstrated that vast amounts of complex organic molecules, such as proteins and DNA, could have been produced in Earth's early oceans (a "biotic soup"). e) Stanley Miller's experiment demonstrated that organic molecules could not have been produced in Earth's early oceans. Submit
Stanley Miller's experiment demonstrated that vast amounts of simple organic molecules could have been produced in Earth's early oceans (a "prebiotic soup").
Based on definition, it is more appropriate to consider which ocean as a sea? a) The Pacific Ocean b) The Atlantic Ocean c) The Indian Ocean d) The Arctic Ocean e) The Antarctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean
What is the difference between the geographic North Pole and the magnetic North Pole? a) The geographic North Pole is always located on land, but the magnetic North Pole can be located over the ocean. b) The Earth's axis runs through the geographic North Pole. The magnetic North Pole is the point at which Earth's magnetic field points directly downward. c) The magnetic North Pole is always located at the same point on the surface of the Earth. The geographic North Pole can move over time. d) There is no difference. They are the same point.
The Earth's axis runs through the geographic North Pole. The magnetic North Pole is the point at which Earth's magnetic field points directly downward.
Which of the following is not a sea? a) The Adriatic Sea b) The Black Sea c) The Mediterranean Sea d) The Yellow Sea e) The Red Sea
The Yellow Sea
How do the physical properties of the asthenosphere differ from the lithosphere? a) The athenosphere is a plastic or malleable region of Earth's interior, whereas the lithosphere is a liquified rock layer. Both are capable of flow. b) The athenosphere is a brittle, low-density region composed of continental and oceanic crust. The lithosphere is a plastic or malleable, high-density region composed of oceanic crust. c) The athenosphere is plastic or malleable and capable of slow flow. The lithosphere is a brittle and rigid solid region comprised mosly of basalt and granite. d) The athenosphere is a brittle, solid region. The lithosphere is a plastic or malleable rock layer that is capable of flow.
The athenosphere is plastic or malleable and capable of slow flow. The lithosphere is a brittle and rigid solid region comprised mosly of basalt and granite.
How are the materials that make up Earth's interior stratified in relation to their densities? a) The highest-density materials are concentrated at Earth's core, whereas lower-density materials are located closer to Earth's surface. b) The lowest-density materials are concentrated at Earth's core, whereas higher-density materials are located closer to Earth's surface. c) The highest-density materials make up the ocean floor, and the lowest-density materials make up the mountains. d) The materials are homogenous throughout Earth's interior. e) The lowest-density materials make up the ocean floor, and the highest-density materials make up the mountains.
The highest-density materials are concentrated at Earth's core, whereas lower-density materials are located closer to Earth's surface.
Which of the following statements is true of the lithosphere? a) The lithosphere is composed of the inner portion of the mantle and the outer core. b) The lithosphere is composed of outer mantle material. c) The lithosphere is composed of the crust and the uppermost portion of the mantle. d) The lithosphere is composed of igneous rock. e) The lithosphere is composed of metamorphic rock.
The lithosphere is composed of the crust and the uppermost portion of the mantle.
What was the one line of evidence that Alfred Wegner could not explain with continental drift? a) The mechanism for the movement of the plates b) Glacial evidence c) Fossil evidence d) Mountain belts e) Continents fitting together like a puzzle piece
The mechanism for the movement of the plates
Which of the following is the most convincing piece of evidence set forth to support the concept of sea floor spreading? a) The oceanic pattern of alternating reversals of Earth's magnetic field b) The correlation of rocks found in adjacent positions on matching continents c) The mid-ocean ridge rises more than 2.5 kilometers above the surrounding deep-ocean floor d) The mid-ocean ridge is entirely volcanic in origin
The oceanic pattern of alternating reversals of Earth's magnetic field
How would the alignment of a particle of magnetite differ with respect to the Earth's surface, if it solidified at the magnetic Equator, the Tropic of Cancer, or the magnetic North Pole? a) The particle of magnetite would be pointed directly downward (perpendicular to Earth's surface) at all locations. b) The particle of magnetite would be pointed directly downward (perpendicular to Earth's surface) at the magnetic Equator, it would be aligned at a diagonal with respect to Earth's surface at the Tropic of Cancer, and it would be parallel with Earth's surface at the magnetic North Pole. c) The particle of magnetite would be aligned parallel with Earth's surface at the magnetic Equator, it would be aligned at a diagonal with respect to Earth's surface at the Tropic of Cancer, and it would be pointed directly downward (perpendicular to Earth's surface) at the magnetic North Pole. d) The particle of magnetite would be pointed directly downward (perpendicular to Earth's surface) at the magnetic Equator, it would be aligned at a diagonal with respect to the Earth's surface at the Tropic of Cancer, and it would be pointed directly downward (perpendicular to Earth's surface) at the magnetic North Pole.
The particle of magnetite would be aligned parallel with Earth's surface at the magnetic Equator, it would be aligned at a diagonal with respect to Earth's surface at the Tropic of Cancer, and it would be pointed directly downward (perpendicular to Earth's surface) at the magnetic North Pole.
Two containers hold the same radioactive isotope. Container A contains 1000 atoms, and container B contains 500 atoms. Which of the following statements about containers A and B is true? a) The rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container A is greater (or longer) than the rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container B. b) The rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container B is the same as the rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container A. c) The rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container B is greater (or longer) than the rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container A. Submit
The rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container B is the same as the rate of decay of atoms (half-life) in container A.
Which statement best describes the origin of Earth's oceans? a) The vast majority of the water that fills our oceans was derived from comets. b) The Earth's oceans were created from nearly equal parts outgassing of the interior and icy comets colliding with Earth. c) The water that fills our oceans was mostly derived from outgassing, with a minor component coming from ice comets. d) Earth's oceans were outgassed exclusively from the interior of the planet during early formation.
The water that fills our oceans was mostly derived from outgassing, with a minor component coming from ice comets.
Which of the following would best describe the principal goal of science? Select only one answer. a) To determine what happened in the past b) To explain the causes and effects of observable natural phenomena c) To explain why the world and the laws of nature exist d) To develop theories that help scientists determine the truth e) To allow scientists to test their hypotheses with experiments Submit
To explain the causes and effects of observable natural phenomena
According to the geological time scale, which selection lists the correct order of coexistence, from earliest to latest? a) Trilobites and amphibians, insects and dinosaurs, flowering plants and fishes, dinosaurs and birds, humans and reptiles b) Trilobites and amphibians, dinosaurs and birds, insects and dinosaurs, flowering plants and fishes, humans and reptiles c) Trilobites and amphibians, insects and dinosaurs, dinosaurs and birds, humans and reptiles, flowering plants and fishes d) Insects and dinosaurs, trilobites and amphibians, dinosaurs and birds, flowering plants and fishes, humans and reptiles e) Trilobites and amphibians, insects and dinosaurs, dinosaurs and birds, flowering plants and fishes, humans and reptiles
Trilobites and amphibians, insects and dinosaurs, dinosaurs and birds, flowering plants and fishes, humans and reptiles
possessed excellent ships and good navigation skills to actively explore the Atlantic Ocean in the late 10th century.
Vikings
Most of the explorations by northern and western Europeans during the Middle (Dark) Ages were undertaken by: a) Italy b) Vikings of Scandinavia c) Portugal d) France e) Spain
Vikings of Scandinavia
What is scurvy? a) Vitamin B deficiency b) Vitamin C deficiency c) Vitamin E deficiency d) Vitamin D deficiency e) Vitamin A deficiency Submit
Vitamin C deficiency
In science, which one of the following would be considered an observation? Select only one answer. a) Waves transfer wind energy from the surface to deeper water. b) Waves are the result of a disturbance (release of energy) somewhere in the ocean. c) Waves approach the beach at an angle. d) Waves are usually caused by a distant storm. e) Waves lose little energy as they travel across the ocean.
Waves approach the beach at an angle.
One of the reasons that free oxygen in our atmosphere is important to the development and maintenance of life on Earth is because oxygen: a) combines with iron in volcanic rocks. b) is necessary for photosynthesis to occur. c) was very abundant in Earth's early atmosphere. d) can form ozone and block some UV radiation. e) reduces atmospheric temperature.
can form ozone and block some UV radiation.
What causes melting of material under divergent plate boundaries? a) decompression of rock b) melting of rock c) recompression of rock d) freezing of rock
decompression of rock
The separation of the Earth into layers while it was molten was the result of the: a) gravitational force created by the rotating Earth. b) initial collection of materials and their position in Earth. c) decrease in temperature downward toward the core. d) presence of water at Earth's surface. e) differing densities of the elements that make up the Earth.
differing densities of the elements that make up the Earth.
The study of the structure of the sea floor and how the sea floor has changed through time is an example of ________ oceanography. a) chemical b) physical c) geological d) archaeological e) biological
geological
A cometary model of the formation of Earth's ocean must include the chemical difference between the ________ in comet ice and that in Earth's water. a) oxygen b) nitrogen c) carbon d) hydrogen
hydrogen
A tentative, testable statement about the general nature of a phenomenon is called a(n) ________. a) hypothesis b) law c) observation d) theory e) guess
hypothesis
Moving from an oceanic ridge to an oceanic trench, the thickness of the lithosphere: a) is unrelated to the distance from the ridge. b) decreases in proportion to the distance. c) remains the same. d) randomly varies. e) increases in proportion to the distance.
increases in proportion to the distance.
Stanley Miller's famous experiment demonstrated that __________. a) Earth's early atmosphere was rich in CO2, ammonia, and hydrogen b) the earliest organisms lived in volcanoes c) all the required factors have been identified for the production of living organisms d) organic molecules could be produced from the mixture of gases comprising Earth's early atmosphere e) living organisms can be produced by lightning strikes
organic molecules could be produced from the mixture of gases comprising Earth's early atmosphere
Which of the following has the deepest waters? a) Pacific Ocean b) Mediterranean Sea c) Arctic Ocean d) Atlantic Ocean e) Lake Baikal
pacific ocean
The oldest fossilized remains of organisms are primitive ________ bacteria recovered from rocks formed on the sea floor about 3.5 billion years ago. a) chemosynthetic b) heterotrophic c) photosynthetic d) streptococcus
photosynthetic
The study of the transmission of light and sound in the oceans is an example of ________ oceanography. a) physical b) chemical c) biological d) archaeological e) geological
physical
Our world ocean can be divided into four principal oceans plus an additional ocean, based on the ________ of the ocean basins and the ________ of the continents. a) shape; position b) depth; elevation c) size; shape d) position; latitude
shape; position
