Earth's surface, Weathering, Erosion and Deposition

Which best describes a fossil that helps determine the relative age of a rock layer?

• trace fossil
• index fossil
• radioactive fossil
• unconformity fossil

Which process would be most effective in determining the age of fossils embedded in rock?

• relative dating
• absolute dating
• use of index fossils
• use of core sampling

The index fossil of a type of trilobite is discovered in layer A of a set of rock layers found at three different sites of a field investigation. Which conclusion can be made about the rocks in layer A at all three sites?

• The rocks are all different ages
• The rocks are all about the same age
• The rocks were formed from melting magma
• The rocks were formed during a catastrophic event

Fossil remains of a trilobite are most likely to be found in which type of rock?

• igneous
• volcanic
• sedimentary
• metamorphic

What role do faults play in the Law of Superposition?

• Faults create new types of rock.
• Faults are younger than the layers they cut through.
• Faults are the same age as the layers they cut through.

Which statement best describes the Law of Superposition?

• Each sedimentary layer of rock represents 1,000 years of Earth's age, much like the rings of a tree.
• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rocks, the upper rock layers are older than the lower rock layers.
• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the lowest layers contain the older rocks.
• Rocks that form near volcanoes are older than surrounding rock.

What evidence would a scientist use to determine the age of rock in a layer?

• index fossils

• living fossils

• resin fossils

• trace fossils

What is the most logical conclusion about a layer of rock near the top of a canyon?

• The layers near the top are older than layers below.

• The layers near the top are younger than layers below.

• The top layer will have more fossils than layers below.

• The top layer will have less fossils than layers below.

The diagram shows a section of land that has been undisturbed and includes a fossil. What can be concluded about the fossil.

• It is younger than the limestone

• It is older than the shale.

• It is approximately the same age as the limestone.

• It is approximately the same age as the sandstone.

The diagram shows layers of rock that have been disturbed.

Which layer of rock is the oldest?

• Layer A

• Layer B

• Layer D

• Layer F