Fossils: Surviving in Changing Environments Review

Mason, Daniel, and James went on a field trip to a museum where they saw a variety of fossils. Based on their observations, which statement is best supported by fossil records?

• The fossil record shows that life and environmental conditions have changed over time.

• The fossil record shows that most organisms that lived in the past are present now.

• The fossil record shows that most organisms started out complex and moved to simpler forms.

• The fossil record shows that life and environmental conditions have remained the same over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

While on a hike, Lisa stumbled upon a fossil of a plant that is known to only grow in tropical climates.

What might this fossil indicate?

• The area used to have a tropical climate.

• The plant adapted to live in different climates.

• There is a tropical climate under the ground.

• The plant was transported there by an animal.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

During a school trip to a natural history museum, Emma, Jack, and Olivia observed a collection of dinosaur fossils. What conclusion can they draw from these fossils?

• The fossils demonstrate that life forms and ecosystems have evolved over time.

• The fossils indicate that dinosaurs are still present in today's world.

• The fossils suggest that dinosaurs were the last creatures to inhabit the Earth.

• The fossils prove that life forms have remained constant throughout history.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

While digging in his backyard, Alex discovered a fossil of a sea creature.

What might this discovery suggest?

• The area was once covered by a sea or ocean.

• Sea creatures used to be able to live on land.

• There is a sea or ocean beneath Alex's backyard.

• The sea creature was lost and died in the wrong habitat.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

While exploring a cave, John found a fossil of a creature that is known to live in desert areas.

What might this discovery suggest?

• The cave was once a desert.

• The creature was lost and died in the cave.

• There is a desert beneath the cave.

• The creature adapted to live in caves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

During a visit to a local museum, Sarah, Mike, and Lily saw a collection of plant fossils. What conclusion can they draw from these fossils?

• The fossils indicate that plants have evolved over time.

• The fossils suggest that these plants are still present in today's world.

• The fossils prove that plant life has remained constant throughout history.

• The fossils demonstrate that these plants were the last to inhabit the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

While on a field trip, Tom discovered a fossil of an animal that is known to live in cold climates.

What might this fossil indicate?

• The area used to have a cold climate.

• The animal adapted to live in different climates.

• There is a cold climate under the ground.

• The animal was transported there by another creature.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Sarah is asked to give an example of a plant's adaptation to its environment.

What is her response?

• A rose blooms in the spring.

• A cactus stores water in its stem to survive in the desert.

• A sunflower turns towards the sun.

• A tree sheds its leaves in autumn.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

John is asked to provide an example of an animal's adaptation to its environment.

What is his response?

• A cat chases a mouse for food.

• A horse jumps over a fence on command.

• A bowerbird decorates its nest to attract a mate.

• A groundhog hibernates during the entire winter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

During a visit to a science museum, Sam, Anna, and Ben observed a collection of insect fossils. What conclusion can they draw from these fossils?

• The fossils indicate that insects have evolved over time.

• The fossils suggest that these insects are still present in today's world.

• The fossils prove that insect life has remained constant throughout history.

• The fossils demonstrate that these insects were the last to inhabit the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2