Sample Science Questions
The following table represents the number of bacteria, algae, viruses, and fungi in a pond at different temperatures. All values represent the number of millions of bacteria, algae, fungi, and viruses in a single liter of water.
| Temperature | Bacteria | Fungi | Algae | Viruses |
| 0 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0.1 |
| 5 | 20 | 3 | 4 | 1.2 |
| 10 | 40 | 4 | 6 | 0.6 |
| 15 | 80 | 5 | 8 | 0.5 |
| 20 | 160 | 6 | 10 | 0.8 |
| 25 | 320 | 7 | 10 | 0.1 |
1. According to the information provided in the table, the number of which of the following substances is constant after a pond reaches a temperature of about 20 degrees?
A. Bacteria
B. Fungi
C. Algae
D. Viruses
2. If the number of bacteria continued to increase at the same rate as the pond continued to warm, what would the measurement be at 30 degrees?
A. 400
B. 640
C. 860
D. 1270
3. Based on the information presented, the number of which of the following substances is not determined by the pond's temperature?
A. Bacteria
B. Fungi
C. Algae
D. Viruses
4. The shape of the graph below would best represent the relationship between the number of which substance and the temperature of the pond's water?
A. Bacteria
B. Fungi
C. Algae
D. Viruses
Answer Key:
1. Correct Answer: C
Explanation: According to the chart, the last two readings for algae are 10. Therefore, one may conclude that the number of algae stayed constant after the pond reached a temperature of 20 degrees. The other categories charted contain many variables, even after the 20 degree temperature was reached.
2. Correct Answer: B
Explanation: There is a clear pattern to the bacteria measurements. The chart column measuring the number of bacteria doubles with every five degree increase in temperature. Therefore, the temperature at 30 degrees would be 320 * 2: 640.
3. Correct Answer: D
Explanation: All of the substances except viruses show a direct relationship between their numbers and the temperature of the pond. The chart shows that the number of viruses fluctuates, regardless of the pond's temperature, indicating there must be something else influencing their numbers.
4. Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The number of fungi increases at a constant rate. This direct correlation of fungi to temperature results in a straight line. This could be expressed as a y= m(x) + b function, and it is this type of function that is pictured in the graph.