Geologic Time 2023

What do scientists typically use to determine when a geologic time period starts and ends? Choose 3 answers. 

• fossil record

• mass extinction

• appearance of many new species

• flipping a coin

• using an internet random time generator

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Mason and Clara are geologists who are digging for fossils.  As they locate fossils, they map the location of them to help other geologists understand Earth’s history and how life on Earth has changed over time. Mason locates a gastropod and makes the claim, “ Gastropods are index fossils”. Clara disagrees with Mason? Which of the following best supports Clara’s disagreement?

• If a fossil is to be considered an index fossil, the organism must have lived only a short period of time. Since the Gastropod lived a long period of time it is not an index fossil.

• To be an index fossil, the fossil of the organism must be found in many rock layers. Since the Gastropod is not found in every layer, it cannot be an index fossil.

• An index fossil must be found over a wide area of the earth. Since the Gastropod is widely spread, it cannot be an index fossil.

• To be classified an index fossil, the fossil must be unique. Since the Gastropod is not unique, it cannot be an index fossil.

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram shows two rock columns from different locations in the same state. ​Which rock layers are most likely the same age?

• layers 5 and 9

• layers 1 and 7

• layers 3 and 8

• layers 2 and 6

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows fossils in rock layers. Rock layer 5 formed first. ​Which of these correctly compares the age of the fossil in rock layer 3 to fossils in the other rock layers?

• The fossil in rock layer 3 is younger than the fossils in rock layers 1 and 2.

• The fossil in rock layer 3 is the same age as the fossils in rock layers 2 and 4.

• The fossil in rock layer 3 is younger than the fossil in rock layer 2 and older than the fossil in rock layer 5.

• The fossil in rock layer 3 is older than the fossil in rock layer 2 and younger than the fossil in rock layer 5.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A cross section of three sedimentary rock layers is shown. Choose the correct order of the layers from oldest to youngest.

• A, B, C

• B, C, A

• C, A, B

• C, B, A

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The image below shows fossil layers at different locations in the Grand Canyon and evidence of an unconformity. Based on the image and your understanding of rock layers, why is Layer B not present at Location 4?

• Neither of these organisms lived at Location 4

• These organisms were soft bodies and were not preserved

• The layer was eroded by the environment

• The rock at Location 4 is newer than the rock at Location 1 and 2

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A diagram showing the types of fossils which were discovered in two rock layers is provided. Ferns are plants found in areas with very wet soil, while cacti do not need much water at all to survive. Based on this information, it can be concluded that the area where these rock layers formed changed in what way? 

• Lots of plants changing to almost no plants

• Cold and icy changing to very hot

• Deep ocean changing to high mountain

• Very dry changing to much more damp

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

​The diagram represents a cross-section of some rock layers. A fault is present in these rock layers. Determine the relative ages of the rock layers and the fault. Place the layers in order from oldest to youngest.

• A,B,C,D

• D,B,C,A

• A,C,B,D

• D,C,B,A

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Scientists can use index fossils to help them study rock layers and the geologic time scale. Which of the following fossils is an example of an index fossil?

• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4