Module D Unit 1 Lesson 1: The Fossil Record

Many fossils are found only during certain periods in the geologic record. Scientists use these fossils to determine the relative ages of rock layers. The diagram shows relative ages of four fossils.

Which statement is true of a rock layer that contains Fossil F?

Choose the correct answer.

• It is older than the rock layers that contain Fossil H.

• It was formed in Periods 1, 2, and 3.

• It is younger than the rock layers formed in Period 4.

• It could also contain Fossil G.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which best describes a fossil that was discovered in rock at the base of a cliff?

• It is likely younger than a fossil discovered in rock at the top of the cliff.

• It is likely older than a fossil discovered in rock at the top of the cliff.

• It is likely younger than a fossil discovered halfway up the cliff.

• It is most likely an index fossil.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which is not an accurate statement about the fossil record?

• The fossil record represents less than one percent of all of the species that ever lived.

• Land organisms are more likely to fossilize than aquatic organisms.

• It is rare for the remains of a soft-bodied organism to become a fossil.

• Most fossils are found in sedimentary rock.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram shows a portion of the fossil record in sedimentary rock. Different rock layers and fossils are clearly visible.

Which statement is true of the fossils and rock layers shown in the diagram?

• Layer A contains the most recently formed rocks and fossils.

• Layer B contains the second-oldest rocks and fossils.

• The rocks and fossils in layer B are older than those in layer D.

• The rocks and fossils in layer D are the most recently formed.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Identify the statement to be true or false:

After an organism's tissues decompose, an impression of its body shape can be left in sediment. This impression is called a carbonized fossil.

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Identify the statement to be true or false:

It is possible for genetic material to fossilize.

• True

• False

Zeno is studying fossils. His teacher wrote the following statements on the board and asked the students to put them in the correct order to describe how fossils are formed.

1. Layers of sediment bury the entire skeleton.

2. Sediment builds up and turns to rock.

3. An organism dies, and its body begins to decompose.

4. Sediment begins to cover the organism’s skeleton.

Which is the correct order of events for fossil formation?

• 2, 3, 4, 1

• 3, 2, 1, 4

• 3, 4, 1, 2

• 1, 3, 2, 4

Which type of fossil happens when an organism's tissues are replaced by minerals from water?

• Amber Fossil

• Carbonized Fossil

• Cast Fossil

• Permineralized Fossil

Which type of fossil forms when a sticky, thick liquid called asphalt seeps up to Earth's surface and covers the body of an organism?

• Amber Fossil

• Cast Fossil

• Mold Fossil

• Tar Pit Fossil

Which fossil happens when sap completely covers an organism's body and hardens?

• Amber Fossil

• Carbonized Fossil

• Tar Pit Fossil

• Trace Fossil