GED Science Practice Test 2024: Scientific Reasoning and Interpretation

1)

Questions 1–4 refer to the figure above. The figure above shows the evolutionary relationships between the major classes of organisms. Branch points show common ancestors, and each branch represents a new class of organisms.

Which milestone came latest in evolution?

2)

Questions 1–4 refer to the figure above. The figure above shows the evolutionary relationships between the major classes of organisms. Branch points show common ancestors, and each branch represents a new class of organisms.

Which of the following shows the correct order of emergence, from earliest to latest?

3)

Questions 1–4 refer to the figure above. The figure above shows the evolutionary relationships between the major classes of organisms. Branch points show common ancestors, and each branch represents a new class of organisms.

If groups that shared common ancestors are more likely to be closely related, which groups are most closely related evolutionarily?

4)

Questions 1–4 refer to the figure above. The figure above shows the evolutionary relationships between the major classes of organisms. Branch points show common ancestors, and each branch represents a new class of organisms.

Later developments are more advanced and specialized. Which of the following is the most specialized evolutionary development?

5) Questions 5–8 refer to the following information.

The density of an object can often be used to help identify it. Density is defined as the ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume, or as an equation:

If the object has a shape such as a block or a cube, then the volume can be determined by multiplying the length times the width times the height or

V = l × w × h

Three samples are provided to a student:

Sample A is a cube 2 cm on a side, with a mass of 24 grams.
Sample B is a 120 gram block with a height of 3 cm, and a width of 2 cm, and a length of 4 cm.
Sample C is an irregularly shaped object with a mass of 4 g/cm3 and a volume of 10 cm.

What is the density of sample B?

6) Questions 5–8 refer to the following information.

The density of an object can often be used to help identify it. Density is defined as the ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume, or as an equation:

If the object has a shape such as a block or a cube, then the volume can be determined by multiplying the length times the width times the height or

V = l × w × h

Three samples are provided to a student:

Sample A is a cube 2 cm on a side, with a mass of 24 grams.
Sample B is a 120 gram block with a height of 3 cm, and a width of 2 cm, and a length of 4 cm.
Sample C is an irregularly shaped object with a mass of 4 g/cm3 and a volume of 10 cm.

Suppose sample A were to be cut into two unevenly sized and shaped pieces. What would be true of the density of the two new, smaller pieces?

7) Questions 5–8 refer to the following information.

The density of an object can often be used to help identify it. Density is defined as the ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume, or as an equation:

If the object has a shape such as a block or a cube, then the volume can be determined by multiplying the length times the width times the height or

V = l × w × h

Three samples are provided to a student:

Sample A is a cube 2 cm on a side, with a mass of 24 grams.
Sample B is a 120 gram block with a height of 3 cm, and a width of 2 cm, and a length of 4 cm.
Sample C is an irregularly shaped object with a mass of 4 g/cm3 and a volume of 10 cm.

When a balloon is heated its volume doubles. What happens to its density?

8) Questions 5–8 refer to the following information.

The density of an object can often be used to help identify it. Density is defined as the ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume, or as an equation:

If the object has a shape such as a block or a cube, then the volume can be determined by multiplying the length times the width times the height or

V = l × w × h

Three samples are provided to a student:

Sample A is a cube 2 cm on a side, with a mass of 24 grams.
Sample B is a 120 gram block with a height of 3 cm, and a width of 2 cm, and a length of 4 cm.
Sample C is an irregularly shaped object with a mass of 4 g/cm3 and a volume of 10 cm.

What is the mass of sample C?

9) An island may form when material expelled by an undersea volcano gradually builds up and rises above the surface of the water. This has happened in numerous places in the Pacific Ocean. Over time, however, another island may begin to form some distance from the first. It is possible that chains of islands, such as the Hawaiian Islands, were formed in this way. One reason for this may be that

10)

The figure above shows a sonar wave being sent out from a ship, hitting the bottom of the ocean and bouncing back to the ship. By knowing the speed of the sound wave and the time the wave travels, the depth to the bottom of the ocean can be determined. The sonar wave travels at 1,000 meters per second. If it takes 4 seconds for the wave to travel to the bottom of the ocean and return, how deep is the ocean at that location?

11) Questions 11–13 refer to the following passage.

Most of us have played with magnets from the time we were very young. Magnets may be man- made or occur naturally. The earliest of magnets came from the ancient Greeks, who used a mineral known as magnetite, which they noticed could repel or attract certain metals. Interestingly, if a magnet is broken in half, each piece will then have its own north and south poles. In general, all magnets, no matter what their shape, have both a north and south pole. Like poles repel each other; unlike poles attract each other. A compass works because it uses a freely rotating magnet that be attracted or repelled by the naturally magnetic poles of the Earth. One of the most common applications of magnets is in creating an electromagnet, which is caused when an electric current moves through a magnetic material, such as an iron nail.

What type of magnet can be controlled by adjusting the flow of electric current, such as might be used in a scrap yard to pick up, and then drop large pieces of metal?

12) Questions 11–13 refer to the following passage.

Most of us have played with magnets from the time we were very young. Magnets may be man- made or occur naturally. The earliest of magnets came from the ancient Greeks, who used a mineral known as magnetite, which they noticed could repel or attract certain metals. Interestingly, if a magnet is broken in half, each piece will then have its own north and south poles. In general, all magnets, no matter what their shape, have both a north and south pole. Like poles repel each other; unlike poles attract each other. A compass works because it uses a freely rotating magnet that be attracted or repelled by the naturally magnetic poles of the Earth. One of the most common applications of magnets is in creating an electromagnet, which is caused when an electric current moves through a magnetic material, such as an iron nail.

Which end of a compass will face north?

13) Questions 11–13 refer to the following passage.

Most of us have played with magnets from the time we were very young. Magnets may be man- made or occur naturally. The earliest of magnets came from the ancient Greeks, who used a mineral known as magnetite, which they noticed could repel or attract certain metals. Interestingly, if a magnet is broken in half, each piece will then have its own north and south poles. In general, all magnets, no matter what their shape, have both a north and south pole. Like poles repel each other; unlike poles attract each other. A compass works because it uses a freely rotating magnet that be attracted or repelled by the naturally magnetic poles of the Earth. One of the most common applications of magnets is in creating an electromagnet, which is caused when an electric current moves through a magnetic material, such as an iron nail.

Alnico magnets are used in industry because they have a great deal of strength for their size. What must be true of an alnico magnet?

14) Questions 14–16 refer to the following article.

The two most common types of engines are the gasoline internal combustion engine and the diesel engine. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in specific situations. In the gasoline internal combustion engine used in most automobiles and lawn mowers, a mixture of gasoline and air is mixed together and ignited by a spark from a spark plug. The air provides the necessary oxygen that allows combustion to take place.

The diesel engine works by mixing the fuel and air under very high pressures, which heats the mixture to a very high temperature, causing it to ignite. The high pressures used require a very strong construction for the walls of the cylinders and engine. Diesel engines can be more difficult to get started, but once going, they are inexpensive to run, as the fuel they require costs less than gasoline.

Which of the following is true of the internal combustion engine but not the diesel engine?

15) Questions 14–16 refer to the following article.

The two most common types of engines are the gasoline internal combustion engine and the diesel engine. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in specific situations. In the gasoline internal combustion engine used in most automobiles and lawn mowers, a mixture of gasoline and air is mixed together and ignited by a spark from a spark plug. The air provides the necessary oxygen that allows combustion to take place.

The diesel engine works by mixing the fuel and air under very high pressures, which heats the mixture to a very high temperature, causing it to ignite. The high pressures used require a very strong construction for the walls of the cylinders and engine. Diesel engines can be more difficult to get started, but once going, they are inexpensive to run, as the fuel they require costs less than gasoline.

Why are diesel engines used for trucks that travel long distances?

16) Questions 14–16 refer to the following article.

The two most common types of engines are the gasoline internal combustion engine and the diesel engine. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in specific situations. In the gasoline internal combustion engine used in most automobiles and lawn mowers, a mixture of gasoline and air is mixed together and ignited by a spark from a spark plug. The air provides the necessary oxygen that allows combustion to take place.

The diesel engine works by mixing the fuel and air under very high pressures, which heats the mixture to a very high temperature, causing it to ignite. The high pressures used require a very strong construction for the walls of the cylinders and engine. Diesel engines can be more difficult to get started, but once going, they are inexpensive to run, as the fuel they require costs less than gasoline.

Which type of engine would a race car use and why?

17) Questions 17–19 refer to the following article.

All nations agree that cooperative efforts are needed in research to study and predict earthquakes. In July 1956 the first World Conference on Earthquake Engineering was held in Tokyo. Its purpose was to share information about the prediction of earthquakes and methods of constructing buildings and bridges that can withstand the shocks.

What causes earthquakes? The crust of the Earth is a broken mosaic of pieces, bounded by deep cracks called faults. When forces deep inside the Earth move these pieces, tremendous shock waves start from the faults. Shock waves in the crust, from whatever source, can be detected by seismographs all over the world. If the earth- quake occurs beneath the ocean, it produces an enormous wave, called a tsunami, that can do much damage when it arrives at a shore.

What is the most frequent cause of major earthquakes?

18) Questions 17–19 refer to the following article.

All nations agree that cooperative efforts are needed in research to study and predict earthquakes. In July 1956 the first World Conference on Earthquake Engineering was held in Tokyo. Its purpose was to share information about the prediction of earthquakes and methods of constructing buildings and bridges that can withstand the shocks.

What causes earthquakes? The crust of the Earth is a broken mosaic of pieces, bounded by deep cracks called faults. When forces deep inside the Earth move these pieces, tremendous shock waves start from the faults. Shock waves in the crust, from whatever source, can be detected by seismographs all over the world. If the earth- quake occurs beneath the ocean, it produces an enormous wave, called a tsunami, that can do much damage when it arrives at a shore.

How can earthquake destruction be minimized?

19) Questions 17–19 refer to the following article.

All nations agree that cooperative efforts are needed in research to study and predict earthquakes. In July 1956 the first World Conference on Earthquake Engineering was held in Tokyo. Its purpose was to share information about the prediction of earthquakes and methods of constructing buildings and bridges that can withstand the shocks.

What causes earthquakes? The crust of the Earth is a broken mosaic of pieces, bounded by deep cracks called faults. When forces deep inside the Earth move these pieces, tremendous shock waves start from the faults. Shock waves in the crust, from whatever source, can be detected by seismographs all over the world. If the earth- quake occurs beneath the ocean, it produces an enormous wave, called a tsunami, that can do much damage when it arrives at a shore.

Nuclear explosions can be detected by seismographs because they

20)

Questions 20–23 refer to the table above.

The table shows the atomic composition of some common metals, their charges when they form ions, and a sample compound when the metal ion combines with a –1 Cl ion. Protons have a charge of +1, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a charge of –1. A neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and neutrons. The mass of an atom comes from its protons and neutrons, each of which has a mass of 1 amu (atomic mass unit). The mass of an electron is so small that it is usually not included in the atomic mass calculation for an atom. Stable ionic compounds are formed from a combination of a positive ion and a negative ion, such that the overall charge from the ions is zero.

What is the value of X, the number of neutrons in a lithium atom?

21)

Questions 20–23 refer to the table above.

The table shows the atomic composition of some common metals, their charges when they form ions, and a sample compound when the metal ion combines with a –1 Cl ion. Protons have a charge of +1, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a charge of –1. A neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and neutrons. The mass of an atom comes from its protons and neutrons, each of which has a mass of 1 amu (atomic mass unit). The mass of an electron is so small that it is usually not included in the atomic mass calculation for an atom. Stable ionic compounds are formed from a combination of a positive ion and a negative ion, such that the overall charge from the ions is zero.

How many electrons would a magnesium atom with a charge of +2 have?

22)

Questions 20–23 refer to the table above.

The table shows the atomic composition of some common metals, their charges when they form ions, and a sample compound when the metal ion combines with a –1 Cl ion. Protons have a charge of +1, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a charge of –1. A neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and neutrons. The mass of an atom comes from its protons and neutrons, each of which has a mass of 1 amu (atomic mass unit). The mass of an electron is so small that it is usually not included in the atomic mass calculation for an atom. Stable ionic compounds are formed from a combination of a positive ion and a negative ion, such that the overall charge from the ions is zero.

What is the formula for aluminum chloride, shown in the table by Z?

23)

Questions 20–23 refer to the table above.

The table shows the atomic composition of some common metals, their charges when they form ions, and a sample compound when the metal ion combines with a –1 Cl ion. Protons have a charge of +1, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a charge of –1. A neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and neutrons. The mass of an atom comes from its protons and neutrons, each of which has a mass of 1 amu (atomic mass unit). The mass of an electron is so small that it is usually not included in the atomic mass calculation for an atom. Stable ionic compounds are formed from a combination of a positive ion and a negative ion, such that the overall charge from the ions is zero.

What happens to an atom if it loses an electron?

24) Questions 24–29 refer to the following article.

Photosynthesis is a complex process involving many steps. Water in the soil is absorbed by the roots of a plant, rises through tubules called xylem, and moves through the stems and into the leaves. Carbon dioxide, diffused from the air through the stomata and into the leaf, comes into contact with the water and dissolves. The solution of carbon dioxide in water then diffuses through the cell walls and into the cells. Organelles within the cell, called chloroplasts, contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that captures light energy from the sun and transforms it into chemical energy. This chemical energy acts to convert the carbon dioxide and water into other compounds. These compounds become more and more complex until finally a sugar is produced. Oxygen is given off as a by-product of the photosynthetic process.

Which plant structure is directly involved in the making of sugar?

25) Questions 24–29 refer to the following article.

Photosynthesis is a complex process involving many steps. Water in the soil is absorbed by the roots of a plant, rises through tubules called xylem, and moves through the stems and into the leaves. Carbon dioxide, diffused from the air through the stomata and into the leaf, comes into contact with the water and dissolves. The solution of carbon dioxide in water then diffuses through the cell walls and into the cells. Organelles within the cell, called chloroplasts, contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that captures light energy from the sun and transforms it into chemical energy. This chemical energy acts to convert the carbon dioxide and water into other compounds. These compounds become more and more complex until finally a sugar is produced. Oxygen is given off as a by-product of the photosynthetic process.

To carry on photosynthesis, the water of the soil must be transported to the leaf. Which structure conducts soil water to the leaf?

26) Questions 24–29 refer to the following article.

Photosynthesis is a complex process involving many steps. Water in the soil is absorbed by the roots of a plant, rises through tubules called xylem, and moves through the stems and into the leaves. Carbon dioxide, diffused from the air through the stomata and into the leaf, comes into contact with the water and dissolves. The solution of carbon dioxide in water then diffuses through the cell walls and into the cells. Organelles within the cell, called chloroplasts, contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that captures light energy from the sun and transforms it into chemical energy. This chemical energy acts to convert the carbon dioxide and water into other compounds. These compounds become more and more complex until finally a sugar is produced. Oxygen is given off as a by-product of the photosynthetic process.

What is/are the main product(s) of photosynthesis?

27) Questions 24–29 refer to the following article.

Photosynthesis is a complex process involving many steps. Water in the soil is absorbed by the roots of a plant, rises through tubules called xylem, and moves through the stems and into the leaves. Carbon dioxide, diffused from the air through the stomata and into the leaf, comes into contact with the water and dissolves. The solution of carbon dioxide in water then diffuses through the cell walls and into the cells. Organelles within the cell, called chloroplasts, contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that captures light energy from the sun and transforms it into chemical energy. This chemical energy acts to convert the carbon dioxide and water into other compounds. These compounds become more and more complex until finally a sugar is produced. Oxygen is given off as a by-product of the photosynthetic process.

Sugar is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. In the process of photosynthesis, what is the source of these chemical elements?

28) Questions 24–29 refer to the following article.

Photosynthesis is a complex process involving many steps. Water in the soil is absorbed by the roots of a plant, rises through tubules called xylem, and moves through the stems and into the leaves. Carbon dioxide, diffused from the air through the stomata and into the leaf, comes into contact with the water and dissolves. The solution of carbon dioxide in water then diffuses through the cell walls and into the cells. Organelles within the cell, called chloroplasts, contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that captures light energy from the sun and transforms it into chemical energy. This chemical energy acts to convert the carbon dioxide and water into other compounds. These compounds become more and more complex until finally a sugar is produced. Oxygen is given off as a by-product of the photosynthetic process.

What is the function of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

29) Questions 24–29 refer to the following article.

Photosynthesis is a complex process involving many steps. Water in the soil is absorbed by the roots of a plant, rises through tubules called xylem, and moves through the stems and into the leaves. Carbon dioxide, diffused from the air through the stomata and into the leaf, comes into contact with the water and dissolves. The solution of carbon dioxide in water then diffuses through the cell walls and into the cells. Organelles within the cell, called chloroplasts, contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that captures light energy from the sun and transforms it into chemical energy. This chemical energy acts to convert the carbon dioxide and water into other compounds. These compounds become more and more complex until finally a sugar is produced. Oxygen is given off as a by-product of the photosynthetic process.

Carbon dioxide enters a plant by way of the

30) The figure above shows a schematic of photosynthesis. Which of the following must be present for plants to produce sugars?

I. light
II. carbon dioxide
III. water

31) Green plants, in sunlight, absorb carbon dioxide to produce glucose, releasing oxygen in the process. Which of the following would be most likely to increase the rate at which this process goes on?

32) Questions 32–34 refer to the following article.

In the process of evolution, some individuals in a population of organisms possess physical traits that allow them to have an advantage in survival over other members of their species. These changes may help them better attract mates, find food, hide from predators, or defend themselves. The individuals with a survival advantage will be more likely to pass their genes on to future generations, thus allowing the species to evolve over time.

A bird’s bill usually defines the type of food that the bird eats. Some hunting birds have sharp hooked bills. Other birds have slender bills to extract nectar from flowers. The interesting bill of the South American toucan is huge and brightly colored and can be as long as half the length of the the bird’s body. This bill is useful in picking fruit.

What is the probable reason that African hornbills closely resemble the South American toucan, even though the two species are unrelated?

33) Questions 32–34 refer to the following article.

In the process of evolution, some individuals in a population of organisms possess physical traits that allow them to have an advantage in survival over other members of their species. These changes may help them better attract mates, find food, hide from predators, or defend themselves. The individuals with a survival advantage will be more likely to pass their genes on to future generations, thus allowing the species to evolve over time.

A bird’s bill usually defines the type of food that the bird eats. Some hunting birds have sharp hooked bills. Other birds have slender bills to extract nectar from flowers. The interesting bill of the South American toucan is huge and brightly colored and can be as long as half the length of the the bird’s body. This bill is useful in picking fruit.

When the Industrial Revolution introduced great smoke-belching factories into England, a certain species of moth found itself threatened. These white moths lived on the bark of light-colored trees, where they were virtually invisible to predators. When smog from the factories turned everything in the area black with soot, the trunks of the trees were not immune. As time passed, the population of this moth dropped dramatically. The chief reason for the decline may have been that

34) Questions 32–34 refer to the following article.

In the process of evolution, some individuals in a population of organisms possess physical traits that allow them to have an advantage in survival over other members of their species. These changes may help them better attract mates, find food, hide from predators, or defend themselves. The individuals with a survival advantage will be more likely to pass their genes on to future generations, thus allowing the species to evolve over time.

A bird’s bill usually defines the type of food that the bird eats. Some hunting birds have sharp hooked bills. Other birds have slender bills to extract nectar from flowers. The interesting bill of the South American toucan is huge and brightly colored and can be as long as half the length of the the bird’s body. This bill is useful in picking fruit.

Snakes are solitary creatures. With a few exceptions, they crawl off to live alone after they hatch. Occasionally a female snake will lay a trail of a special scent called a pheromone. The reason for laying this trail is that the only life process a snake cannot carry on alone is