1/7 Fossils, Relative Dating, Absolute Dating

Index fossils help determine relative age through correlating rock layers.

• True
• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

To be considered an index fossil, it had to have lived for a relatively short period of time.

• True
• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The best index fossils have which two traits?

• widespread geographically, long lifespan
• widespread geographically, short lifespan
• specific place, long lifespan
• specific place, short lifespan

Look at the fossils trapped in each strata. During its time, which fossil lived for the longest time?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which law of geology tells you that layer A is older than layer B?

• law of horizontality

• law of really old dirt

• ice wedging

• law of superposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The circled fossil is only found over a short period of time in one geologic layer, so it could be used to date the layer it was found in. What do we call this type of fossil?

• bone fossil

• bad fossil

• crab fossil

• index fossil

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Luisa had two older brothers and a younger sister. She had been learning about how to describe the ages of rocks. After thinking about it, she realized she could compare people's positions in her family in the same way that scientists compare rocks. Which geology term would apply to the way Luisa compares her family position to those of her brothers and sister?

• Superposition

• Relative age

• Absolute age

• Rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Index fossils help determine relative age through correlating rock layers.

• True
• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Does the picture represent relative or absolute dating?

• relative
• absolute

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the best reason that fossil #4 is NOT a good index fossil?

• It is not widespread

• it is not short-lived (in numerous layers)

• It is in half of the outcrops