Science Test: The Universe Flashcards
Where did Aristotle believe life came from?
Aristotle believed that God had created higher organisms and that life, such as insects and frogs, could come from mud or decaying matter.
What did Louis Pasteur have to say about Aristotle’s theory of spontaneous generation?
Lois Pasteur disagreed with Aristotle. He gave proof that even bacteria and other micro-organisms came from parents resembling them.
What was the atmosphere mainly made up of in primitive Earth?
- Methane
- Ammonia
- Hydrogen
- Water
There was no oxygen.
What were the first organisms called and where did they live?
The first organisms are called cyanobacteria and they are present in the Earth’s oceans.
What does cyanobacteria do? How is it helpful?
Since cyanobacteria had no predators and they were protected from UV rays, all they did was reproduce. They were all doing photosynthesis, and putting oxygen into the atmosphere. At one point, there were so many of them that they were able to add enough oxygen that other organisms could develop and eventually come out of the water.
When was the universe created?
About 13.8 billion years ago.
What is the Big Bang Theory?
The theory is that one single atom containing a lot of important gases exploded releasing all of those gases into the universe. After the explosion, matter and energy existed. The explosion formed galaxies, stars, planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
The universe is mostly made up of what?
Empty space.
What is our galaxy called?
The Milky Way.
What does our solar system contain?
The sun, 8 planets, many moons and other celestial bodies.
What are the names of the planets in our solar system (listed in the order from the closest to the farthest from the sun).
- Mercury
- Venus
- Earth
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Uranus
- Neptune
Trick: My Very Excited Mother Just Served Us Noodles
What is an astronomical unit (AU)?
An astronomical unit is used to measure the distance between celestial bodies within a solar system. One AU is the average distance from the sun to the Earth.
What is a light year?
A light year is used to measure the distance between celestial bodies outside of a solar system. A light year is the distance that light can travel in one year.
What are the conditions/factors needed for life on Earth?
- The orbit should be roughly circular
- The need of a sun and the ideal distance from the sun
- An atmosphere
- The ideal mass
- Water
- Lithosphere
What is the reason of importance for having a circular orbit?
If the orbit is not circular, there will be too much variation in the amount of solar energy that reaches the planet.
What is the reason of importance for the need of a sun and the ideal distance from the sun?
If the planet’s too close to the sun, then it would be too hot and if the planet’s too far, then it would be too cold.
What is the reason of importance for an atmosphere?
Atmospheres block dangerous radiation such as UV rays and X-rays. Atmospheres are also necessary for respiration.
What is the reason of importance for having an ideal mass?
The ideal mass can hold the right type and amount of gases.
What is the reason of importance for liquid water?
Water needs to be in liquid form to allow reactions in the body to occur.
What is the reason of importance for a lithosphere?
A solid surface is required for creatures to live on.
What are fossils?
Fossils are the preserved remains or impressions of animals and plants (or footprints and burrows) that are generally found in sedimentary rocks.
What are fossils formed from?
Fossils are formed from the bones/teeth of decaying plants or animals, since soft tissue decay much more quickly.
Why do fossils of one animal show up in various places?
Wind and rivers carry the bones to different locations.
Other animals carry the bones to different locations.
Natural erosion also separates the bones.
Where are fossils found?
Fossils are found in sedimentary rocks that form layers called stratas.
