3. Theories of origin

Question 1

What makes a good scientific theory (name at least 5).

Answer 1

• Accounts for the unknown.
• Applies previously known scientific principles.
• Plausible after all evidence.
• Evidence.
• Logical.
• Established with a credible source.
• Minimal amount of variables.

Question 2

What are tectonic theories?

Answer 2

Theories which attempt to explain the origin of various landmarks such as mountains and volcanos.

Question 3

Who was Alfred Wegner?

Answer 3

A German meteorologist who studied ancient climates in the early 1900s. Wegner was enamoured by the shape of the Atlantic regions and how they seemed to fit together.
Wegner proposed that over 200 million years ago all of the continents formed a supercontinent called ‘Pangea’. Geophysicists panned his proposal.

Question 4

How far is the crust from the surface?

Answer 4

7 - 60kilometers.

Question 5

How far is the Mantle/Magma from the surface.

Answer 5

2900 kilometres.

Question 6

How far is the inner core from the surface?

Answer 6

5100 kilometres.

Question 7

Where are tectonic plates located?

Answer 7

In the lithosphere.

Question 8

How many waves are in an earthquake?

Answer 8

Three.

1. The primary wave (compressed wave, fastest).
2. Secondary wave (second fastest, transverse wave).
3. Surface waves, love waves (slowest, transverse).

Question 9

What are adaptations in animals?

Answer 9

The adjustment of genetics within an animal to survive within their environment.

Question 10

Why do animals within the same species vary so greatly within different areas? Give five answers.

Answer 10

• Change of environment.
• Different food sources.
• Diversification (breeding).
• Genetic enhancements.
• Natural selection/Survival of the fittest.