Gradualism, Mass Extinction, Geologic Time, and Superposition QUIZ (8.ESS2.1)

What is the idea that geologic change occurs slowly over time?

• unconformities
• gradualism/ gradual change
• epicism
• rapid change/ catastrophism

What is the idea that geologic change occurs suddenly?

• Gradualism
• geologic breakdown
• geologic column
• Rapid Change/catastrophism

A large number of species on Earth became extinct during a short time period about 65 million years ago. Based on this pattern of extinction, which is the MOST likely cause?

• gradual climate change
• continued climate stability
• sudden global climate change
• gradual ecosystem succession

Which of these do scientists offer as the MOST recent explanation as to why many plants and animals died out at the end of the Mesozoic era?

• a worldwide disease killed them
• mountains were forming globally
• mammals began to pray on plants and animals
• an asteroid created dust and blocked the sun

What type of event usually marks the end of an era?

• A mass extinction
• An earthquake
• A volcanic eruption
• A flood

The geologic time scale is divided into eras. Each era is marked by events that characterize and change life on Earth. Using the time scale below, identify the correct statement below.

• New diverse organisms appear after each mass extinction
• As time goes on, organisms are getting less complex
• Most organisms survive a mass extinction event
• All organisms that currently exist have always existed on Earth

According to the Law of Superposition, the oldest fossils are found

• at the top of rock layers
• in the middle of rock layers
• at the bottom of rock layers
• near the surface of rock layers

According to the diagram below, which rock layer is the oldest? In the diagram below, which rock layer seems to be the oldest?

• Layer F
• Layer A
• Layer B
• Layer E

According to the Law of Superposition, which fossil is the oldest?

• Trilobite
• Ammonite
• Crinoid
• Gastropod

According to the law of superposition, which layer is the youngest?

• Layer A
• Layer B
• Layer C
• They are all the same age