SC Ready Science: Earth's Place in the Universe (4ESS1)

The diagram below shows the undisturbed layers of rock found in an area and some of the fossils found in each layer.

Which layer would have the oldest fossils? (DOK 2)

• Layer L

• Layer N

• Layer O

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Sometimes paleontologists find fossils in different rock layers that have characteristics very different from the fossils they have already cataloged in that area. What would the scientists most likely conclude? (DOK 3)

• The new find was moved from its original location by animals.

• The new find is not a fossil.

• The new find existed at a different time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following is the primary reason why we can see fossils inside rock layers? (DOK 1)

• weathering

• freezing

• global warming

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Soil that can be found in the top-most layers of soil will MOST LIKELY have more -

(DOK 1)

• water

• humus

• air

The diagram below shows rock layers on a cliffside.
Each layer of rock contains different fossils. Which rock layer most likely formed in an ocean environment? (DOK 2)

• Layer 1

• Layer 2

• Layer 3

• Layer 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A group of hikers found these fossils on the side of a mountain. What does this tell you about the history of the mountain? (DOK 3)

• The rocks on this mountain used to be under the ocean.

• The area used to be filled with trees and green grass.

• The area used to be a dry land hunting area for ocean creatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

This diagram shows a cutout of the Earth's surface with a river in the middle. Which will most likely happen to this area after millions of years? (DOK 3)

• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

This diagram shows a cross section of rock layers with the fossils contained in each layer. What sequence BEST represents how this area has changed over time? (DOK 2)

• ocean --> dry land

• dry land --> ocean

• dry land --> ocean --> dry land

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A fish fossil is found in a rock. A foot bone and tooth are found in an older layer of the same rock. What can scientists learn from the rock? (DOK 2)

• The area changed from land to water.

• The area changed from water to land.

• The area has always been land.

• The area was once an ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Sedimentary rocks found high in the Himalayan Mountains have been found with fossils of clams and other marine life. What does this indicate about the origin of the Himalayan Mountains? (DOK 2)

• There was once a large forest at top of the mountains.

• Animals that now live on the mountains once lived under water.

• The Earth's crust that formed these mountains was once covered with an ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3