Fossils and Geologic Time

Front

Gaps in rock layers are called ____.

Back

unconformities

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

All of the following conditions help preserve organisms as fossils EXCEPT ____.

Back

activities of microorganisms

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

If a layer of sandstone lies on top of a layer of limestone with a 300-million-year-old fossil, the layer of sandstone must be ____.

Back

younger than 300 million years

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

A limestone bed containing fossils that are 550 million years old is ____ a bed of sandstone containing fossils that are 400 million years old.

Back

older than

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

Identify the main area of North America where people would expect to find 100 million year old sedimentary rocks containing fossils of microscopic ocean organisms.

Back

Western Interior Seaway

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What are index fossils?

Back

Index fossils are fossils of organisms that were widespread but only existed for a short period, used to date rock layers.

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the significance of unconformities in geology?

Back

Unconformities represent gaps in the geological record, indicating periods of erosion or non-deposition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What conditions favor fossilization?

Back

Quick burial, hard parts, and protection from scavengers favor fossilization.