1. You observe that plants in a greenhouse grow faster when exposed to red light compared to blue light. What is the next best step in your investigation?

A. Increase the intensity of the blue light.
B. Decrease the intensity of the red light.
C. Grow plants in complete darkness.
D. Grow plants exposed to both red and blue light at equal intensities.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The next best step in the investigation would be to grow plants exposed to both red and blue light at equal intensities. This will help determine if the observed growth difference is due to the specific wavelength of light (red vs. blue) or if it is related to the intensity of light. By exposing plants to both red and blue light at equal intensities, you can compare their growth rates and determine if one wavelength has a greater effect on plant growth.

2. What type of clause is "as the sun dipped below the horizon" in the sentence "We sat on the beach, as the sun dipped below the horizon"?

A. Independent clause
B. Subordinate clause
C. Appositive clause
D. Noun clause

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The clause "as the sun dipped below the horizon" provides additional information about the main clause "We sat on the beach," making it a subordinate clause.

3. The term "symbiotic relationship" describes an interaction between two organisms where:

A. One organism benefits and the other is unaffected
B. Both organisms are harmed by the interaction
C. One organism benefits and the other is negatively impacted
D. Both organisms benefit from the interaction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: In a symbiotic relationship, both organisms involved benefit from the interaction. This mutually beneficial relationship can take different forms, such as mutualism where both organisms benefit, commensalism where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected, or parasitism where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. In this case, the term "symbiotic relationship" specifically refers to a scenario where both organisms derive some form of benefit from their interaction.

4. What literary device is used in the phrase "a heart of gold"?

A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Hyperbole
D. Personification

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The phrase directly compares someone's good nature to gold, making it a metaphor.

5. What is the principle behind optical fibers used in communication?

A. Reflection of light within the fiber
B. Refraction of light due to different densities within the fiber
C. Total internal reflection guiding light through the fiber core
D. Diffraction of light around bends in the fiber

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Optical fibers used in communication rely on the principle of total internal reflection guiding light through the fiber core. When light enters the fiber at a certain angle, it reflects off the boundary between the core and cladding, ensuring that the light remains trapped within the core and travels along the fiber without significant loss of signal. This total internal reflection allows for efficient transmission of light signals over long distances in optical communication systems.

6. What is the role of DNA in heredity?

A. Provides energy for the cell
B. Determines the structure and function of proteins
C. Stores and transmits genetic information
D. Controls cell division

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. It stores genetic information in the form of a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). This genetic information is passed down from parents to offspring and is responsible for determining an organism's traits and characteristics. DNA does not provide energy for the cell (option A), determine the structure and function of proteins (option B), or control cell division (option D).