Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

What is the role of Earth’s orbit in relation to climate change?

1. It creates tides

2. It affects seasonal weather

3. It leads to variations in climate

4. It increases volcanic activity

The correct answer is: It leads to variations in climate

The role of Earth’s orbit in relation to climate change primarily involves its influence on long-term climate variations. Earth’s orbit is not static but changes in predictable ways over thousands to millions of years due to gravitational interactions with other celestial bodies, a phenomenon described by Milankovitch cycles. These cycles affect the amount of solar energy that different parts of the Earth receive, which can lead to significant changes in climate patterns, including advances and retreats of ice ages. Understanding this relationship between Earth’s orbital changes and climate variations is essential in grasping how natural forces can impact Earth's long-term climate. The other choices focus on aspects like tides or seasonal weather, which do not capture the broader and longer-term climatic impacts related to variations in Earth's orbit. Volcanic activity may influence climate but is not directly a result of Earth's orbital dynamics. Therefore, recognizing the significant role that orbital shifts play in shaping climate makes the answer correct.