Chapter 7 Section 9: Understanding and Applying

What is the probability of the actual organisms that lived around the Mesozoic–Cenozoic boundary still being alive today?

• Highly likely

• Absolutely zero

• Unknown

• 50%

How can one identify a mass extinction event on a planet unfamiliar with its life forms?

• By studying sedimentary layers and fossil records

• By observing the planet's atmosphere

• By finding artifacts

• By detecting water

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is the main method through which new scientific data are discovered?

• By historical analysis

• Through mathematical calculations

• By observation

• Through speculation

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NGSS.MS-LS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Why is independent review of a scientist's data and ideas important?

• To ensure data privacy

• To increase publication speed

• To catch flaws or inadequacies

• To reduce the cost of research

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NGSS.HS-LS2-6

What demonstrates the connections between different parts of the Earth system during mass extinctions?

• The stability of ecosystems

• The loss of major groups of species

• The uniformity of climate

• The increase in biodiversity

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What were past mass extinctions primarily driven by?

• Stable climate conditions

• Factors external to the biosphere

• Human activity

• Factors internal to the biosphere

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Compare the time scales over which evolution and mass extinction operate. Which is generally quicker?

• Mass extinction

• Evolution

• They operate at the same speed

• Cannot be determined

What is the role of evolution in the biosphere in response to environmental change?

• To cause mass extinctions

• To provide stability

• To decrease biodiversity

• To increase the rate of extinction

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

How do organisms of the deep geologic past differ from those in present communities?

• They are less evolved

• They are quite different

• They are identical

• They are more diverse

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is a possible reason for certain species to survive from the beginning of the Cenozoic to today?

• Artificial preservation

• Lack of predators

• Being extremely well adapted to an environment

• Rapid evolution

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4