STMS 2ndQ Practice Test

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What is the principle of fossil succession?

Back

Fossil succession is the concept that sedimentary rock layers contain fossils in a specific, recognizable order, allowing scientists to determine the relative ages of the rocks.

Front

What does it mean if two fossils are found in different layers of rock?

Back

If two fossils are found in different layers of rock, it suggests that they lived during different periods of geologic time.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of evolution from reptiles to birds?

Back

Fossils of dinosaurs show similar skeletal structures to both reptiles and birds, indicating a common ancestry.

Front

What is a trilobite?

Back

A trilobite is an extinct marine organism that lived millions of years ago, known for its hard exoskeleton and segmented body.

Front

What can the presence of marine fossils in a region indicate?

Back

The presence of marine fossils can indicate that the area was once covered by an ocean or sea.

Front

What is the significance of rock layers in geology?

Back

Rock layers, or strata, provide a record of Earth's history, including the types of organisms that lived at different times.

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What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

Front

How can scientists determine the relative age of fossils?

Back

Scientists can determine the relative age of fossils by examining the layers of rock in which they are found and using the principle of fossil succession.

Front

What is a paleontologist?

Back

A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to understand the history of life on Earth.

Front

What does it mean for a species to be extinct?

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A species is considered extinct when there are no living individuals left of that species.