Science in the News Quiz.

Directions: Read the late-breaking science news stories in our Science News section on pages 4-7. Then, test your knowledge by answering the questions below. Circle the correct letter.

1.  Scientists have discovered that humans
    possess about
    a. 30,000 genes.
    b. 45,000 genes.
    c. 90,000 genes.
    d. 120,000 genes.

2.  Each unit of DNA contains
    a. 1 million bases.
    b. 2.5 million bases.
    c. 1 billion bases.
    d. 3.15 billion bases.

3.  In cells, proteins
    a. guide cell division.
    b. repair body parts.
    c. carry oxygen in the blood.
    d. all of the above.

4.  Paleontologists have discovered a dinosaur
    that may have killed its prey by
    a. suffocating them.
    b. paralyzing them.
    c. injecting them with venom.
    d. none of the above.

5.  A newly discovered dinosaur is believed to
    have lived during
    a. the Cretaceous period.
    b. the Jurassic period.
    c. the Triassic period.
    d. the Cambrian period.

6.  Space station Mir
    a. was just launched into orbit.
    b. is en route to Mars.
    c. collided with another spacecraft.
    d. none of the above.

7.  Mir was built and launched by the
    a. Russians.
    b. Japanese.
    c. Americans.
    d. Mexicans.

8.  In children, sugar-sweetened drinks
    increase the risk of
    a. hair loss.
    b. obesity.
    c. diabetes.
    d. weak bones.

9.  When you touch a plant's leaves,
    a. they wilt.
    b. they fall off.
    c. they grow faster.
    d. it affects whether insects find them
       tasty.

10. Kids who eat breakfast
    a. weigh more.
    b. get better grades.
    c. get tired earlier.
    d. none of the above.

ANSWERS

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