What causes thunderstorms?

The atmospheric conditions of moisture, rapidly rising warm air, and a lifting mechanism (such as a cold front)

Define 'biodiversity'

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem

Define 'paradox'

A statement that, despite sound reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory

Define 'rational number'

A number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction of two integers, a numerator and a non-zero denominator

What causes the seasons to change?

The tilt of the Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun

Define 'constitution'

A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed

What are the three branches of the U.S. government?

Legislative, Executive, Judicial

Define 'entropy'

A measure of the disorder or randomness in a system

Define 'metaphor'

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable

Define 'capitalism'

An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state

Define 'monarchy'

A form of government with a monarch at the head

Define 'allegory'

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one

Define 'urbanization'

The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more and more people begin living and working in central areas

Define 'federalism'

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units

Define 'homeostasis'

The tendency of a system, especially the physiological system of higher animals, to maintain internal stability

Define 'communism'

A political theory derived from Karl Marx, advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs

In what year did World War II end?

Nineteen forty-five

Define 'culture'

The social behavior and norms found in human societies

Define 'satire'

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues

What causes the phases of the moon?

The changing positions of the moon, Earth, and sun

Define 'gravity'

A force that attracts a body towards the center of the earth, or towards any other physical body having mass

Define 'imperialism'

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force

In what process do plants convert sunlight into energy?

Photosynthesis

Define the term 'democracy'

A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives

What causes earthquakes?

The movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface