Self Check: The Fossil Record

A fossil is ____________.

• evidence of past life
• part of the fossil record
• found in sedimentary rock
• all of the above

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

_______ fossils can provide information about how organisms moved, rested, burrowed, etc.

• Mold
• Cast
• Trace
• Replacement

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As time goes on, specimens in the fossil record become more _________.

• confusing
• common
• complex
• simple

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A ________ is a scientist who studies the fossil record to learn more about life on Earth.

• seismologist
• paleontologist
• biologist
• botanist

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The formation of fossils as stone replaces decaying tissues

• Extinction

• Petrification

• Glacial Period

• Sedimentary Layers

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The mineralized remains of organisms and the rock layers in which they are found that shows when and where long-dead organisms lived and how their bodies were structured and includes even those that haven't been discovered

• Fossil Record

• Law of Superposition

• Fossil Fuels

• Fossils

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The Geologic Time Scale is a record of…

• old geologists

• sweet geology music

• the known history of rocks and fossils

• a list of every living thing ever

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Fossils are the preserved remains of organisms that lived long ago. According to the law of superposition, the rock layers that contain fossils should be far below Earth’s surface. Which answer best explains why fossils are sometimes found at or near the surface? 

• Fossils are less dense than rock, so they rise to the surface.

• Fossils are moved to the surface by other organisms.

• Sedimentary rock layers are relatively soft, and new fossils sink through upper layers into older, deeper layers.

• Some rock layers with fossils have been exposed because of different processes, such as faulting, folding, and weathering.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Scientists find a fossil of a fish on top of a mountain. What kind of evidence does the fossil provide scientists about the way this area might have changed over time?

• It shows that fish were once able to live without water.

• It shows that oceans can change quickly and become land.

• It shows that the animals found on the mountain today evolved from fish.

• It shows that the mountain may have once been under water and raised up by natural processes.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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Antarctica is the coldest, driest continent on Earth, and only a few species survive its harsh elements. Yet scientists have found fossils of green fern plants in Antarctica. Based on these findings, which of these is the BEST conclusion? 

• Fern plants could currently live in Antarctica's climate.

• These fern plants need cold, dry climates.

• The climate of Antarctica has always been the same.

• The climate of Antarctica was once warm and has changed over time.

Tags

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