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Concept MapUPCAT · General Science (Extended)Real content

UPCAT General Science (Extended)Universe, Solar System & EarthConcept Map

UPCAT candidates who build concept maps early in review tend to retain Universe, Solar System & Earth better through the long stretch to exam day. The Universe, Solar System & Earth concept map on this page shows the sub-topics University of the Philippines includes most often in UPCAT General Science (Extended), and how they branch off the central idea.

Exam context

The University of the Philippines College Admission Test is conducted by University of the Philippines and is scheduled for Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions). The General Science (Extended) subtest is marked as "Extended coverage for UP Science programs" in the official pattern, and Universe, Solar System & Earth appears in position 3rd of 6 in the UPCAT General Science (Extended) review rotation. Passing mark: UPG ≤ 2.2 typical. Recent UPCAT 2026 papers have drawn roughly 20 questions from this subject.

Universe, Solar System & Earth - Concept map

Central Concept

Universe, Solar System & Earth

Related Concepts

Concept

Universe Formation

Sub Concepts

  • Big Bang Theory
  • Radiation Era
  • Matter Era
  • Cosmic Timeline
  • Universe Structure

Relationship To Central

Origin and evolution of the cosmic system containing our solar system

Concept

Solar System Formation

Sub Concepts

  • Solar Nebula Theory
  • Planetary Accretion
  • Inner vs Outer Planets
  • Asteroid Belt
  • Kuiper Belt

Relationship To Central

Formation of our local planetary system within the universe

Concept

Earth Formation

Sub Concepts

  • Planetary Differentiation
  • Earth's Layers
  • Moon Formation
  • Early Atmosphere
  • Water Origin

Relationship To Central

Formation and structure of our planet within the solar system

Concept

Earth's Systems

Sub Concepts

  • Lithosphere
  • Hydrosphere
  • Atmosphere
  • Biosphere
  • System Interactions

Relationship To Central

Interacting components that make Earth habitable

Concept

Plate Tectonics

Sub Concepts

  • Continental Drift
  • Seafloor Spreading
  • Plate Boundaries
  • Earthquakes
  • Volcanoes

Relationship To Central

Dynamic processes shaping Earth's surface

Concept

Rock Cycle

Sub Concepts

  • Igneous Rocks
  • Sedimentary Rocks
  • Metamorphic Rocks
  • Weathering and Erosion
  • Rock Processes

Relationship To Central

Continuous transformation of Earth's materials

Concept

Earth's Habitability

Sub Concepts

  • Goldilocks Zone
  • Liquid Water
  • Stable Sun
  • Magnetic Field
  • Ozone Layer

Relationship To Central

Factors that make Earth suitable for life

Concept Connections

To

Solar System Formation

From

Big Bang Theory

Strength

strong

Relationship

Universe formation provided the matter and energy that eventually formed our solar system

To

Earth Formation

From

Solar System Formation

Strength

strong

Relationship

Earth formed as part of the solar system through planetary accretion processes

To

Plate Tectonics

From

Earth's Structure

Strength

strong

Relationship

Earth's layered structure enables plate tectonic movement and geological activity

To

Rock Cycle

From

Plate Tectonics

Strength

strong

Relationship

Tectonic processes drive rock formation, transformation, and recycling

To

Earth's Habitability

From

Earth's Systems

Strength

strong

Relationship

The interaction of Earth's four spheres creates conditions suitable for life

To

Seafloor Spreading

From

Continental Drift

Strength

strong

Relationship

Seafloor spreading provides the mechanism that explains continental drift

To

Sedimentary Rock Formation

From

Weathering and Erosion

Strength

strong

Relationship

Weathering creates sediments that form sedimentary rocks through deposition

To

Plate Boundaries

From

Earthquakes

Strength

strong

Relationship

Most earthquakes occur at plate boundaries due to tectonic stress

To

Igneous Rock Formation

From

Volcanoes

Strength

strong

Relationship

Volcanic activity creates igneous rocks through magma cooling and crystallization

To

Greenhouse Effect

From

Atmosphere

Strength

moderate

Relationship

Atmospheric gases trap heat creating the greenhouse effect that warms Earth

To

Water Cycle

From

Hydrosphere

Strength

strong

Relationship

The hydrosphere encompasses all water involved in the global water cycle

To

Earth's Core

From

Magnetic Field

Strength

strong

Relationship

Earth's magnetic field is generated by convection currents in the liquid outer core

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