Fossils & Evolution

Environments have changed over millions of years. Which of these would be BEST for a scientist to study when investigating these environmental changes?

• volcanic deposits

• wave patterns

• fossil records

• ocean currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of these provides the BEST evidence that the environment of Earth has changed over millions of years?

• active migration of sand dunes

• marine (water) fossils found on top of mountains

• polished appearance of rock surfaces

• none of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

In the model are rock strata and fossils. The fish fossil is in the first layer of the rock strata, is this the youngest or oldest fossil in these rock strata layers?

• Youngest

• Oldest

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Scientists theorize that the ancient horse on the left is related to the modern horse on the right. The scientists theorize that the horse has gone through many changes over time. How did the scientists conclude that the animal changed over time?

• by examining fossil records

• by learning about natural selection

• by studying deposition of sediments

• by observing different types of rock formations

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A scientist drew some diagrams of ancestors of elephants based on fossil evidence. Which is the BEST conclusion that can be made from comparing the diagrams?

(Model Description: The first elephant ancestor is 50 million years old and very small, the second elephant ancestor is 30 million years old and much larger. The trunk is also short. The last ancestor is 20 million years old and taller, but shorter width wise. The trunk is also longer.)

• Ancient elephants were better adapted than modern elephants.

• Elephant habitats have remained the same over time.

• Elephant fossil evidence is widespread and complete.

• Elephant species have changed over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Fossils are the preserved ____ of once living organisms.

• plants

• adaptations

• remains

• variations

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Why are there more animal fossils than plant fossils?

• Animals are smaller than plants, so they break down faster.

• Animals eat plants.

• Plants have harder bodies than animals, so they break down.

• Plants have softer bodies than animals, so they break down.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

An animal fossil has sharp, pointy teeth. What can we infer about this animal?

• The animal lived in the water

• The animal is a carnivore (only ate meat).

• The animal lived near the beach.

• The animal is an herbivore (only ate plants).

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

If a scientist found a fish fossil in the desert, what can they infer?

• An animal ate the fish.

• Today's fish looks the same

• That water covered the area long ago.

• The fish is endangered.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What statement is true about fossils?

• Some living things have not really changed in millions of years.

• All living organisms leave behind fossils.

• Fossils show that camels never change.

• Plant fossils have never changed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2