A geologist studies the side of a mountain with many layers of Earth exposed. The geologist wants to know more about when a particular layer of sandstone formed. Which observation could be used to determine the age of the sandstone layer?

• the width of the layer of sediment

• the type of fossils in the sediment

• the amount of moisture in the sediment

• the color of the minerals in the sediment

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift as a way to explain how the continents have moved on Earth’s surface over the course of geologic time. His theory states that, at one time, all of the continents were joined in one large landmass called Pangaea. Over time, the continents have moved slowly apart into the locations we are familiar with today. Which of the following describes physical evidence that would support Wegener’s theory?

• fossils of the same types of plants and animals found on different continents

• pictures of people who live on the same continent and look similar to one another

• maps from the 18th century that show the locations of continents and the oceans

• papers by fellow scientists that explain how the continents have moved apart over geologic time

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is the most accurate way for geologists to measure the age of a rock?

• measure and record the decay of radioactive elements in the roc

• weigh the rock and calculate the amount of mass that has eroded

• classify the type of rock as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary

• compare information found in the layers of sediment near the rock's location

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Which of these daily human activities would have a beneficial impact on the environment?

• letting water run while brushing teeth

• leaving a ceiling fan on when departing a room

• removing a nonnative, invasive plant species from a habitat

• throwing away plastic bottles in containers designated for the landfill

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

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Which of the following human activities shapes the landscape but does not contribute to the geologic process of erosion

• over-grazing of land by livestock

• planting vegetation for ground cover

• clearing land for increased farming

• cutting through mountains to build highways

If all the trees in a forest were cut down and removed, which of the following would be the most likely result?

• The remaining topsoil would be exposed and vulnerable to wind and water erosion.

• The remaining topsoil would be exposed and hardened, making it more difficult to remove.

• The remaining topsoil would be enriched as leaves mixed in, causing an increase in land quality.

• The remaining topsoil would be immediately removed along with the trees, making it impossible to grow anything.

A scientist finds a fossil that does not match the general pattern of the other fossils found in the area. The scientist wants to know if this fossil is older than the other fossils. Which process will best help the scientist determine the general age of the fossil?

• Measure the amount of rock attached to the fossilized bone.

• Test the amount of radioactive elements found in the rock.

• Determine the amount of erosion evident on the rock.

• Observe the types of minerals present in the fossil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

According to the theory of plate tectonics, sections or plates of Earth's crust move slowly over time. The theory describes the formation of all major features that can be found, including mountains and the continents. While today's continents are separated by large oceans, scientists believe that one large supercontinent existed 200 million years ago. Which of these pieces of evidence best supports the theory of plate tectonics?

• The coastlines of Africa and South America match.

• North America has four distinct seasons every year.

• The Pacific Ocean is deeper than the Atlantic Ocean.

• Temperatures at the equator are much warmer than in Antarctica.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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Geologic and fossil evidence suggests that all landmasses were once connected in a supercontinent named Pangaea. What geologic phenomenon can explain the change from Pangaea to the current arrangement of continents

• changes in tectonic plate positions

• changes in volcanic activity in the oceans

• changes in rock weathering and soil erosion

• changes in oceanic currents and temperatures

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is the biggest difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?

• Laws explain the physical sciences, while theories explain only the life sciences.

• Laws are demonstrated in nature frequently, while theories are demonstrated less regularly.

• Laws take only temporary events into account, while theories discuss long-term phenomena.

• Laws describe the events that occur in nature under certain conditions, while theories explain how nature works.