A geologist identifies the identical index fossils in rock layers from two different areas. Which conclusion is best supported by this discovery?

• The deposition rate of the two rock layers was identical.

• The fossil organism evolved independently in the two separate areas.

• The two rock layers were deposited at approximately the same time.

• The index fossil will also occur in sediment deposited on top of these rock layers.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which supports the theory that some mountains were once at the bottom of an ocean?

• There are underwater mountains on the ocean floor today.

• Freshwater rivers flow to the ocean.

• Fossils of marine organisms are found on the tops of some mountains.

• Both mountains and ocean floors have similar minerals in their rocks.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which evidence supports the idea that life on Earth has continually evolved?

• evidence from layers of tree rings

• evidence from rock layers, fossils, and ice cores

• evidence gathered from melting glaciers

• evidence that the climate has changed over the past 100 years

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which would most likely increase the genetic variation in a population of organisms?

• increase in diseases

• decrease in diseases

• increase in mutations

• decrease in mutations

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NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which is the most accurate method scientists use to predict the age of Earth?

• relative dating of rock layers

• radioactive dating of rocks

• comparing the ages of different fossils

• investigating core samples from the Arctic

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which is the best reason for scientists to study ice cores obtained from Earth’s ice caps?

• to evaluate potential oil drilling sites

• to study the quality of water stored in glaciers

• to determine the rate of melting in polar regions

• to study past climates by analyzing trapped gases and particles

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Which is the best evidence for evolution?

• new rock layers containing fossils of simple organisms

• new rock layers containing fossils unlike existing organisms

• old rock layers containing fossils unlike existing organisms

• old rock layers containing fossils of complex organisms

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which best explains why mammals became dominant after the mass extinction of the dinosaurs?

• They had traits that helped them adapt to environmental changes.

• They were larger than dinosaurs and ate different foods.

• They lived in different areas on Earth than dinosaurs.

• They were able to hibernate for thousands of years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which demonstrates how genetic variation may result from a change in the environment where an animal lives?

• A salmon swims faster as it enters colder waters.

• A snake increases its body temperature because it moves on top of a rock in direct sunlight.

• A beetle stands out to predators because it moves among plants that have colors different than its own.

• An arctic fox changes its color over time because it migrates to an area with a different climate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which is the most accurate way of determining the age of a fossil?

• radioactive dating

• relative dating

• dating index fossils

• dating the rock layers above the fossil

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1