8.LS4.1 Patterns in the Fossil Record 8th Grade TNReady #1

If a scientist knows the relative age of a fossil, he can also know

• the relative age of the rock where it was found.

• how long the organism was alive.

• the type of climate from which it came.

• how it became extinct.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A team of scientists are studying three different layers of sedimentary rock to learn about a particular reptile species. In the layer of rock that is closest to the Earth's surface, the reptiles' teeth fossils are found to be short and straight. In the layer below, the reptiles' teeth fossils are found to be long and straight. In the layer below that, the reptiles' teeth fossils are found to be long and curved. Based on this information, the reptiles today most likely have

• short, straight teeth.

• long, straight teeth.

• long, curved teeth.

• no teeth.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The diagram below shows a stack of rock layers. These layers have not changed position since they formed. Layer 3 is younger than Layer ____ and older than Layer ____.

4.

• 5, 1

• 4, 2

• 2, 5

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What can be determined from examining the fossil record?

• when many life forms became extinct

• when many life forms first appeared on Earth

• when changes to the diversity of life forms occurred

• all of these

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Fossils are remains of organisms found in sedimentary rock. These remains are found in thousands of rock layers around the world and provide evidence for Earth's long history of changing lifeforms. Rock layers that formed more recently

• contain fossils of plants only.

• contain fossils that resemble existing species more closely than do fossils found in older rock layers.

• contain fossils of animals only.

• contain fossils that resemble existing species less closely than do fossils found in older rock layers.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of these can become fossilized?

• Tooth

• Fern

• Footprint

• All of these

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram below shows several layers of sediment below the surface and some fossils that can be found in these layers. The organism at point W is a bony fish. The organism at point X is a dinosaur. The organism at point Y is a trilobite. The organism at point Z is an amphibian. This diagram suggests that

• amphibians are common ancestors of dinosaurs and trilobites.

• dinosaurs became extinct before the evolution of bony fishes.

• different species were abundant at different times in Earth's history.

• trilobites are the oldest living creatures on the planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2