8E2.1 Earth's Age

The diagram shows fossils and rock features. How does intrusion X compare to the ages of the other rock layers and fossils in this geologic column?

• Intrusion X is older than layers Y and Z.

• Intrusion X is younger than all the layers.

• Intrusion X is older than the clam and broadleaf fossils.

• Intrusion X is younger than the broadleaf and fern fossils.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram shows a series of rock layers and fossils. Which is true?

• Layer W is older than intrusion X.

• Intrusion X is younger than layers Z and Y.

• The broadleaf fossil is older than the fern fossil.

• The clam fossil is younger than the reptile bone fossil.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram shows fossils and rock features. Which is younger than the broadleaf fossil?

• layer Z

• layer Y

• fern fossil

• intrusion X

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows fossils and rock features. Which is younger than the clam fossil?

• layer Z

• broadleaf

• intrusion X

• reptile bone

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Scientists can use relative dating, absolute dating, or a combination of the two techniques to determine the age of a fossil. Which of the following could be determined using both

methods?

• the difference in age between two fossils

• which of two fossils is the older

• a narrow age range for a fossil

• the exact age of a fossil

The diagram shows different layers of sedimentary rock. Each layer is labeled with a letter. Which statement correctly describes the relative ages of the rock layers shown in the diagram?

• The left part of Layer B is younger than the right part.

• The left part of Layer F is the same age as Layer M.

• Layer R is older than Layer M.

• Layer I is older than Layer B.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which method would be BEST for scientists to use to determine the absolute age of a Precambrian igneous rock?

• index fossils

• law of superposition

• radiometric dating

• law of original horizontality

Which discovery provides the BEST evidence of the age of the solar system?

• The oldest known rocks on Earth have been dated to 3.8 billion years old.

• The Apollo 17 mission found moon rocks that have been dated to 4.5 billion years old.

• The volcanic activity that occurs on Earth’s surface has recycled all its rocks at least once since its formation.

• The Apollo 11 and the Apollo 12 missions gathered moon rocks similar in age to the oldest- known Earth rocks.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Geologists use radiometric dating, the law of superposition, and index fossils to establish the ages of various rock layers in a formation. Why would a geologist use the law of superposition and index fossils to date a rock formation when radiometric dating is available?

• Calculating ages using index fossils confirms evolutionary sequences.

• Radiometric dating is inaccurate when used on sedimentary rocks.

• Radiometric and fossil dating are only effective on organic matter.

• The law of superposition gives the most specific dating information.

The graph shows possible changes to sea level over geologic time. What did scientists MOST likely study to construct this graph?

• molten magma

• extrusive igneous rocks

• sedimentary layers

• foliated metamorphic rocks

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4