ESS.8.1.1: Relative Dating

A geologist finds identical index fossils in a rock layer in the Grand Canyon in Arizona and in a rock layer in northern Utah, more than 675 kilometers away. What inference can be made about the two rock layers?

• The rocks are all different ages

• The rocks are all about the same age

• The rocks were formed by melting magma

• The rocks were formed during a catastrophic event.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram represents the rock layers and fossils found at four widely separated rock outcrops. Which fossil appears to be the best index fossil?

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Answer explanation

Remember index fossils are found all over the world and only in ONE time period.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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

 Which statement best describes the Law of Superposition?

• Each sedimentary layer of rock represents 1,000 years of Earth’s age, much like the rings of a tree.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the upper rock layers are older than the lower rock layers.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the lowest layers contain the older rocks.

• Rocks that form near volcanoes are older than surrounding rock.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The rock formation labeled "P" is a(n)...

• fault
• intrusion
• inclusion
• unconformity

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows a geologic cross-section from a region.

What are the relative ages of the rocks from oldest to youngest ?

• W, V, X, Z, and Y

• W, Y, V, X, and Z

• W, V, X, Y, and Z

• W, V, Y, X, and Z

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following correctly lists the layers in order from oldest to youngest?

• A, B, C, D, E
• E, B, C, D, A
• E, D, C, B, A
• C, B, A, D, E

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which layer is OLDER? Layer M or Intrusion P?

• Layer M

• Intrusion P

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows three sedimentary rock layers and an igneous intrusion.

What is the relative age of igneous intrusion W?

• Igneous intrusion W is younger than sedimentary rock layers Z and X, but its relative age to layer Y cannot be determined.

• Igneous intrusion W is younger than sedimentary rock layers Y and Z but older than layer X.

• Igneous intrusion W is older than sedimentary rock layers Z and X, but its relative age to layer Y cannot be determined.

• Igneous intrusion W is older than sedimentary rock layers Y and X but younger than layer Z.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What principle states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest is at the top?

• Principle of Original Horizontality

• Principle of Superposition

• Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships

• Principle of Faunal Succession

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4