Fossils, Rock Layers, & Geological Time

In this image which layer of SEDIMENTARY ROCK is the oldest? 

• Shale (A)

• Sandstone (C)

• Limestone (F)

• Dolomite (B)

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which letter represents an intrusion of magma coming from the mantle, that has cooled and hardened into igneous rock?

• Layer A

• Layer B

• Layer C

• Layer D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

If the fossil of an organism is found in multiple vertical layers of rock like fossil C then what is true? 

• The organism lived for a short period of time

• The organism lived for a long period of time

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What are two important characteristics of index fossils? Check off 2. 

• When alive, the organisms lived in many locations.

• When alive, the organisms lived for long periods of time

• When alive, the organisms lived for shorter periods of time

• Index fossils are rare and hard to find

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The Law of Superposition states that older sedimentary rock layers lie ___________ younger sedimentary rock layers.

• Above

• Below

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Matching layers from different locations based on shared index fossils means that those layers

• Must have come from the same location originally

• Must have been formed around the same time

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Describe the Relative Age of layer B

• Layer B is younger than layer A and older than layer C

• Layer B is 200 million years old

• Layer B is the youngest layer

• Layer B is younger than layer C but older than layer A

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What fossil from these three outcrops would make the best index fossil? 

• Gastropod

• Trilobite

• Fern

• Ammonite

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A scientist discovers an unknown fossil in a layer of rock with two index fossils (a trilobite and ammonite). What is the age of the unknown fossil?

• Think about when both organisms were living at the same time

• 245 million years old

• 65 million years old

• Younger than 65 million years ago

• About 560 million years old

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What can you infer if the fossil of an organism is no longer present in newer rock layers? 

• The fossil eroded away

• An earthquake shook them out

• The species went extinct because of a change in the environment

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3