Science in the news

Science World, April 5, 2004

Directions: Read the Science News section on pages 4 to 6. Then test your knowledge by circling the letter of the correct answer, below.

1. German researchers found that learning to juggle can cause a(n)

a. improvement in concentration skills.

b. decrease in gray matter.

c. jolt in memory.

d. increase in gray matter.

2. Traditionally, scientists believe that the adult brain -- when exposed to new experiences.

a. grows sideways

b. increases in size

c. decreases in size

d. does not change in structure

3. What's the Hawaiian bobtail squid's "light source"?

a. the moon

b. amino acids

c. unique reflectors

d. symbiotic bacteria

4. Which of the following about the bobtail squid's unique reflector is false?

a. It's flexible.

b. It's made of protein.

c. It helps alter the squid's brightness.

d. It glows in the dark.

5. Why does a group in California want a two-cent fee on plastic sacks? It will help pay for

a. the cleanup of litter and marine debris.

b. veterinarian bills for sick turtles.

c. an advertising campaign to urge people to bring their own bags to the supermarket.

d. research to create Earth-friendly bags.

6. How do plastic bags harm sea turtles?

a. They suffocate turtles.

b. They clog the digestive system.

c. Chemicals from the bags cause turtles to biodegrade.

d. Bag sightings confuse turtles, causing them to swim off migration routes.

7. How does a ripeSense[TM] label indicate when a fruit is ready to eat? The label

a. changes color.

b. emits a noise.

c. sends you an e-mail.

d. emits a pleasant smell.

8. A ripeSense[TM] label uses a sensor to detect specific chemicals emitted by a ripe fruit. If the sensor were a human sensory organ, it would be most similar to a(n)

a. nose.

b. ear.

c. eye.

d. mouth.

9. Which factor causes clouds above Earth's South Pole to float higher than those above the North Pole?

a. Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun

b. The poles' distances from the sun

c. The amount of solar energy received at the poles

d. All of the above

10. During the austral summer, which part of Earth is closest to the sun?

a. South Pole

b. North Pole

c. equator

d. All parts of the planet are equidistant to the sun.

Take It Further:

Research and report on either of the following: The process that causes fruit to overripe or the plight of endangered sea turtles.

1. d 2. d 3. d 4. d 5. a 6. b 7. a 8. a 9. d 10. a