NAEP Science Grade 12

Category - Earth Science

Which of the following is the best example of using a physical model to understand a complex natural system?
  1. Paleontologists reconstruct the habitat of an extinct fossilized animal by examining the type of rock in which the animal was found and the associated plant fossils.
  2. Meteorologists use historical data correlating sunspot cycles with short-term temperature changes to predict winter weather several years in advance.
  3. Geologists measure changes in the speed and direction of seismic waves produced by explosions or earthquakes to locate deposits of oil and natural gas.
  4. Oceanographers study damage produced when 25 cm waves are generated in a scaled- down replica of San Francisco Bay to assess how a tsunami might affect the region.
Explanation
Correct Response: D. The scaled-down replica of San Francisco Bay is a physical model that the oceanographers use to investigate how the real San Francisco Bay may respond to a tsunami. Reconstructing habitat based on geologic clues (A) does not involve the use of a physical model and the correlation of sunspot data with past weather to make predictions about future weather (B) also does not involve the use of a physical model. Measuring the characteristics of seismic waves to locate fossil fuel deposits also (C) does not involve a physical model as it is an analysis of real-world phenomena.
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