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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many elements occur naturally on Earth?

2. If Earth did not have an atmosphere, it would be what?

3. Only one out of how many bones is ever fossilized?

4. Mitochondria convert food and oxygen into ATP, which is what?

5. Gregor Mendel, who conducted research on transmittal of traits in pea plants, was a scientist and a:

Short Essay Questions

1. How do ice ages begin?

2. Describe the layer of atmosphere called the troposphere.

3. How long do human cells live?

4. What are cyanobacteria? How did they affect the environment billions of years ago?

5. What does the author lament about the study of wildlife throughout much of human history?

6. How does DNA replicate itself?

7. What is Carl Linnaeus known for?

8. How are traits determined genetically?

9. What is the water distribution across the world's major oceans?

10. How much of Earth's land is suitable for humans to live on?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are quarks? Describe them in detail, including their function, composition, colors, and "flavors."

Essay Topic 2

Explain what Bryson says about water distribution on our planet. How much is saltwater? How much is fresh water? Describe where the different types of water are distributed throughout the world.

Essay Topic 3

Describe earthquakes, including the mechanism behind them, where they can hit, and how they are measured.

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