Plate Motion Study Guide

Front

In 1983, scientists found a giant bird fossil in Brazil, thought to be unique to South America. Later, a similar fossil was discovered in Nigeria. What can be concluded?

Back

The land masses were once connected.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that the land masses were once connected. This conclusion is drawn from the fact that identical fossils were found in Brazil and Nigeria, formed in similar rock. This suggests that the giant bird lived in a region that was once a single land mass, which later split into the continents we know today. This theory is supported by the concept of continental drift.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

Scientists studying a river in a desert canyon for 10 years should collect data to support weathering and erosion claims.

Back

Record measurements of distinct canyon parts to observe changes over the years.

Answer explanation

The scientists should collect data that directly relates to their hypothesis about weathering and erosion. This includes measuring the water levels and recording the measurements of distinct parts of the canyon to observe changes over time. They should also take water samples to test for changes in its composition. These methods will provide evidence to support or refute their explanation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

Events in small spaces and short times shaping Earth's surface:

Back

Rapid landslides after an earthquake.

Answer explanation

Rapid landslides following an earthquake best demonstrate how events in smaller spaces and shorter lengths of time can shape Earth's surface. While slow-moving plate motions, the uplift of a new mountain range, and glaciers melting over thousands of years all contribute to Earth's surface changes, they occur over much longer timeframes and larger areas. In contrast, landslides after an earthquake can cause significant changes in a short period and localized area.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

Fossil distribution shows Earth's surface changes. Which statement is true?

Back

North America and Asia were once connected, as were Europe, India, Australia, and Antarctica.

Answer explanation

The distribution of fossils across the globe indicates that certain continents were once connected. The correct answer suggests that North America and Asia were once linked, as were Europe, India, Australia, and Antarctica. This is supported by the fossil evidence found in these regions, which shows similarities in species that would have been impossible if these continents were not once connected.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

Examining fossil distribution reveals Earth's surface changes. True statement?

Back

Matching coal deposits and Glossopteris fern fossils indicate a former connection.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that the distribution of matching coal deposits and Glossopteris fern fossils indicates a former connection between these areas. This is because the presence of similar fossils in different regions suggests that these areas were once connected. The distribution of these specific fossils and coal deposits provides evidence of this past connection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

Evidence of continental arrangement changes is shown in the current world map. Compare it to the historical maps. Which is the most accurate based on fossil distribution?

Back

B

Answer explanation

The most accurate map based on the fossil distribution in the current world map is the one represented by option B. This is because the arrangement and distribution of fossils in this map closely match those in the current world map, suggesting that the continents may have been arranged in this way millions of years ago.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

Rock strata of a mountain can indicate relative dates in Earth's history.

Back

The rock strata can be used to understand relative dates in Earth's history.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

New mid-ocean ridge found along an underwater mountain range. What can be assumed?

Back

The crust near the ridge is newer than the crust farther from the ridge.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

Earth systems interact over time and space:

Back

A mountain range forms over millions of years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

Using the image, determine which statement is true:

Back

Divergent movement of plates has occurred.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3