Fossils and the Relative Age of Rocks

Scientific law that states in horizontal sedimentary rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom

• intrusion

• fault

• index fossil

• superposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

An intrusion is always ___________ than the rock layers around it and beneath it

• younger

• older

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A ________________ is a break in Earth's crust

• intrusion

• fault

• extrusion

• igneous rock

The diagram shows a cross section of rocks beside a highway. 
Which rock type is the oldest?

• rock type 1
• rock type 2
• rock type 3
• rock type 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows some of the layers of rocks found in the Grand Canyon. Scientists find these layers of rock useful for studying fossils
What type of rock is shown labeled in these layers?

• extrusive
• igneous
• metamorphic
• sedimentary

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which can most likely be concluded about the top layer of rock seen in an undisturbed cliff wall?

• The top layer is older than layers located farther down the cliff.
• The top  layer is younger than layers located farther down the cliff.
• The top layer contains more fossils than layers located farther down the cliff.
• The top layer contains fewer fossils than layers located farther down the cliff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of these laws will NOT help to determine if something is an index fossil?

• Easily recognizable
• Lives only a short period of time
• Should have many of the same fossils in many different layers of same outcrop
• It is widespread

Which fossil makes the best index fossil?

• Fossil 1
• Fossil 2
• Fossil 3
• None follow all of the rules

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Does the picture represent relative or absolute dating?

• relative
• absolute

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Gaps in rock records made when agents of erosion remove existing rock layers 

• fossils
• unconformities
• permineralized remains

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2