TASK DEFINITION: You are given a science question (easy-level) and four answer options (associated with "A", "B", "C", "D"). Your task is to find the correct answer based on scientific facts, knowledge, and reasoning. Do not generate anything else apart from one of the following characters: 'A', 'B, 'C', 'D'. There is only one correct answer for each question.
PROBLEM: Scientists use ice cores to identify and explain previous climatic trends. By correlating climatic conditions recorded in the ice, with solid, nonsnow particles also found in the ice, scientists can help to predict the climatic impact of which phenomena?  
 (A) atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration changes (B) radioactive decay rate changes in the outer core (C) volcanic eruptions (D) magnetic pole reversals

SOLUTION: C

PROBLEM: Wolves have adapted skills for hunting large hoofed animals such as elk, deer, or moose. Wolves tend to target prey animals that are sick or weak. The wolf benefits from this strategy because it uses less energy to hunt. How would the prey animal population also benefit from this strategy?  
 (A) by promoting detrimental genes (B) by stimulating beneficial DNA mutations (C) by preventing the introduction of other predator species (D) by increasing the reproductive success of healthy prey animals

SOLUTION: D

PROBLEM: Parakeets are birds whose basic plumage color is green. However, parakeets exhibit a wide range of color both in the wild and in captivity. Which process is the source of the wide color variation observed in parakeet populations?  
 (A) speciation (B) adaptation (C) natural selection (D) genetic mutation

SOLUTION:
D