Problem: I read this background article the other day: East Antarctica is colder than its western counterpart because of its higher elevation. Weather fronts rarely penetrate far into the continent, leaving the centre cold and dry. Despite the lack of precipitation over the central portion of the continent, ice there lasts for extended periods. Heavy snowfalls are common on the coastal portion of the continent, where snowfalls of up to 1.22 metres (48 in) in 48 hours have been recorded.  I am facing a new situation today: Two teams of scientists were in Antarctica to study the weather. Camp Alpha was located in East Antarctica, while camp Omega was situated in West Antarctica.  Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Which camp experienced warmer weather?

A: Omega


Problem: I read this background article the other day: Fish reproduce sexually. They lay eggs that can be fertilized either inside or outside of the body. In most fish, the eggs develop outside of the mother's body. In the majority of these species, fertilization also takes place outside the mother's body. The male and female fish release their gametes into the surrounding water, where fertilization occurs. Female fish release very high numbers of eggs to increase the chances of fertilization.  I am facing a new situation today: Dan and Fred were friends. they studied Biology at the same University. Fred studied bird reproduction this semester, while Dan studied fish reproduction.  Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Which friend studied less about eggs that can be fertilized either inside or outside of the body?

A: Fred


Problem: I read this background article the other day: Alpine climate is the average weather (climate) for the alpine tundra. The climate becomes colder at high elevations—this characteristic is described by the lapse rate of air: air tends to get colder as it rises, since it expands. The dry adiabatic lapse rate is 10 °C per km (5.5 °F per 1000 ft) of elevation or altitude. Therefore, moving up 100 metres (330 ft) on a mountain is roughly equivalent to moving 80 kilometers (45 miles or 0.75° of latitude) towards the pole. This relationship is only approximate, however, since local factors such as proximity to oceans can drastically modify the climate.  I am facing a new situation today: There are two neighboring towns that were founded around the same time as one another. Prolot is situated high atop a tall hill which makes the walk up to the city quite daunting to travelers. However, the view when you reach the top is truly breathtaking. The town of Lire is located at the base of the hill that Prolot is on. Many tourists stop at the city of Lire to spend a night resting before they begin their journey up to Prolot the following day.  Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Which city has a warmer climate?

A: Lire


Problem: I read this background article the other day: Unfortunately, the layer of good ozone is being destroyed by air pollution. The chief culprits are chlorine and bromine gases. They are released in aerosol sprays, coolants, and other products. Loss of ozone has created an ozone hole over Antarctica. Ozone depletion results in higher levels of UV radiation reaching Earth. In humans, this increases skin cancers and eye cataracts. It also disturbs the nitrogen cycle, kills plankton, and disrupts ocean food webs. The total loss of the ozone layer would be devastating to most life. Its rate of loss has slowed with restrictions on pollutants, but it is still at risk.  I am facing a new situation today: Keith is an environmental scientist. He was studying the loss of ozone layer and its effect on different species. His data showed that in the beginning or twentieth century there were hardly any loss of ozone layer. He categorized that time period as time A. Further inquiry revealed that things didn't go well at the end of twentieth century - when there were severe loss of ozone layer. He categorized that time as time B.  Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Would skin cancer be more prevalent or less prevalent in time A than in time B?

A:
less prevalent