evidence for evolution: fossils

A fossil of an extinct dinosaur is found and the anatomy of the fossil shows similarities to that of a bird. What could this mean?

• This is purely by chance and isn't significant
• The extinct dinosaur and modern bird share a common ancestor
• All dinosaurs evolved into birds and that's why there aren't any dinosaurs alive today
• Dinosaurs choose to fly, and evolved into birds to escape predation and capture food

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Relative dating of rock layers tells us that the deeper we dig, 

• the younger the rocks get.
• the simpler the rocks get.
• the harder the rocks get.
• the older the rocks get.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

When all individuals in a species have died, it is called

• evolution
• extinction
• adaptation
• natural selection

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Humans, birds, whales, and lizards all have similar arm bones. What is the reason for this?

• The function of these bones is the same in all animals
• They live in similar environments
• They have a common ancestor
• All organisms resemble humans

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

_________________ show clear changes in an organism over time, the environment organisms lived in, the time period the organism lived in, and where the organism lived.

• DNA

• Vestigial structures

• Fossils

• Homologous structures

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram shows fossils in different rock layers. Which of these statements about the age of these fossils is most likely correct?

• Fossil A and C are the same age
  
• Fossil B is older than fossil C
• Fossils A is older than fossil B
• Fossil D is older than fossil C

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Because whales have a pelvis and femurs, it shows whales are descended from an ancestor that was able to _____________________.

• walk

• sing

• swim

• polka

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

If a scientist found a fish fossil in the desert, what can they infer?

• An animal ate the fish.

• The water covered the area long ago.

• Today's fish looks the same

• The fish is endangered.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What needs to happen FIRST for a fossil to form?

• A plant or animal must be covered by sediment.

• A plant or animal must die and decompose.

• Sediments fill a a mold to form a cast.

• An earthquake shifts the land up.

What needs to happen SECOND for a fossil to form?

• A plant or animal must be covered by sediment.

• A plant or animal must die and decompose.

• Sediments fill a a mold to form a cast.

• An earthquake shifts the land up.