Geologic History of Earth

The basalt intrusion occurred...

• after the limestone was deposited.

• before the granite was formed.

• before the limestone was deposited.

• before all three layers were formed.

Answer explanation

The basalt intrusion occurred after the limestone was deposited, indicating that the limestone layer existed before the basalt formed, making this the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the data in this diagram?

• Jellyfish and trilobites never competed for resources.

• Trilobites and dinosaurs did not live at the same time.

• Most mammals are in competition with birds for resources.

• Mammals did not appear until after the dinosaurs went extinct.

Answer explanation

The diagram indicates that trilobites existed in a different geological period than dinosaurs, confirming that they did not live at the same time. This rules out competition between them.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The fossil remains of organisms with skeletons are not found in the lowest layers of rock discovered. How is the lack of fossilized skeletons in the lowest rock layers best explained?

• Organisms with skeletons did not evolve until after these rock layers formed.

• The fossils of organisms with skeletons are only found in the oldest rocks.

• Fossil skeletons are usually crushed if other rock layers are above the ones they are in.

• Organisms with skeletons live only at the highest altitudes, which is where they turn to fossils.

Answer explanation

The absence of fossilized skeletons in the lowest rock layers suggests that organisms with skeletons did not exist at that time, indicating they evolved later, after these rock layers had formed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The illustration here shows rock layers in their original order, along with a fracture in some rock layers caused by an earthquake. Based on the evidence in the illustration, an earthquake occurred -

• before layer W was deposited.

• before layer X was deposited

• after layer Y was deposited.

• after layer Z was deposited.

Answer explanation

The fracture indicates an earthquake occurred before layer X was deposited, as the layers above the fracture (including X) must have formed after the earthquake disrupted the original order.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The illustration shows rock layers from three different locations and fossils the rock layers contain. The fossils are all trilobites, ancient organisms that were different over time. Which conclusion can be drawn from the information in the illustration?

• The trilobite Cyclopygidae appeared most recently of those shown here.

• The trilobite Ceratopigidae appeared before all the others.

• The trilobite Remopleiridae is the oldest of all the trilobites.

• The trilobite Asaphidae appeared most recently of those shown here.

Answer explanation

The trilobite Asaphidae is identified as the most recent based on the fossil layers shown. This indicates that it appeared later than the other trilobite families represented in the illustration.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

When examining rock layers, you will find the oldest layers at the bottom. Newer minerals and rock are piled on top and, over time, this creates distinct rock layers. This is called _______.

• The Law of Superstition

• The Law of Suspicion

• The Law of Horizontality

• The Law of Superposition

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The Law of Superposition,' which states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the newer layers are on top, forming a chronological sequence.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Fossils of trees were discovered in a sedimentary rock layer, and in a rock layer below were fossils of clams. Based on this evidence, what conclusion can be made about the sequence of climates in the past in the area where the fossils were discovered?

• Based on the evidence, it can be assumed that this area was an underwater forest.

• Based on the evidence, it can be assumed that this area was a forest before it was a beach or ocean.

• Based on the evidence, it can be assumed that this area was an ocean or beach before it was a forest.

Answer explanation

The presence of clam fossils in the lower layer indicates a marine environment, suggesting that the area was an ocean or beach before the forest developed, which is supported by the tree fossils found above.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The mineralized remains of organisms and the rock layers in which they are found

• Fossil

• Rock Strata

• Stratigraphy

• Fossil Record

Answer explanation

The term 'Fossil Record' refers to the mineralized remains of organisms and the rock layers in which they are found, providing a historical account of life on Earth. Other options do not encompass both aspects.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The sedimentary layers of rock in Earth

• Fossil

• Rock Strata

• Stratigraphy

• Fossil Record

Answer explanation

The term 'Rock Strata' refers specifically to the layers of sedimentary rock in the Earth, making it the correct choice. 'Fossil' and 'Fossil Record' relate to remains of organisms, while 'Stratigraphy' is the study of these layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The study of rock layers

• Fossil

• Rock Strata

• Stratigraphy

• Fossil Record

Answer explanation

Stratigraphy is the study of rock layers, focusing on their distribution, composition, and age. It helps in understanding geological history, making it the correct choice for the study of rock layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3