Fossils Quiz

Trace fossils, index fossils, and insects in amber are three types of fossils that have been found in an area. The two graphs below both show data on each fossil type in the area. Which of these statements BEST describes the two graphs?

• Graph 1 is more reliable than graph 2.

• Graph 1 includes less data than graph 2.

• Neither graph can be used without the other graph.

• Each graph shows the same data in a different way.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Scientists who study rocks follow the law of superposition. This law says that rock layers are laid down one on top of the other, so the oldest rock is on the bottom and the youngest rock is on top. Scientists who study fossils also follow this law. Fossils can be organized by age based on the rock layers in which they are found. Which statement about the fossils in the rock layers is not true?

• The fossils in layer 5 are older than the fossils in layer 1.

• The fossils in layer 2 are younger than the fossils in layer 3.

• The fossils in layer 3 are older than the fossils in layers 1 and 2.

• The fossils in layer 4 are younger than the fossils in layers 2 and 3.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which is a true statement about the relative age of fossils from the Jurassic period?

• A. They are older than fossils from Triassic period but younger than fossils from Cretaceous period.

• B. They are older than fossils from the Cretaceous period but younger than fossils from Triassic period.

• C. They are the same age as fossils from the Cretaceous and Triassic periods.

• D. They are younger than fossils from both the Cretaceous and Triassic periods.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The image shows the fossils in rock layers found in two locations. The index fossils (trilobite and ammonite) found in the rock layers are labeled. Which of the rock layers are likely of the same age?

• Rock layer 4 and rock layer 6

• Rock layer 4 and rock layer 7

• Rock layer 1 and rock layer 5

• Rock layer 2 and rock layer 5

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which statements about index fossils are true?

• Contradict the law of superposition

• Were widespread geographically

• Useful with relative aging of rocks

• Existed for relatively short periods of time

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Geologists use radiometric dating, the law of superposition, and index fossils to establish the ages of various rock layers in a formation. Why would a geologist use the law of superposition and index fossils to date a rock formation when radiometric dating is available?

• Calculating ages using index fossils confirms evolutionary sequences.

• Radiometric dating is inaccurate when used on sedimentary rocks.

• Radiometric and fossil dating are only effective on organic matter.

• The law of superposition gives the most specific dating information.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which best describes how ice cores are important to the study of geologic history?

• They show unconformities, which signal changes in deposition.

• They hold index fossils, which are used to date the different ice cores.

• They contain evidence showing changes in the atmospheric composition over time.

• They follow the Law of Superposition, which gives reasons for extinctions of species.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Which is the best reason for scientists to study ice cores obtained from Earth's ice caps?

• to evaluate potential oil drilling sites

• to study the quality of water stored in glaciers

• to determine the rate of melting in polar regions

• to study past climates by analyzing trapped gases and particles

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

The diagram below shows a model of the movement of two tectonic plates. When the plates collide, one plate often moves below the other plate. What does this form?

• deep ocean trench.

• volcanic islands.

• deep-sea sediment.

• seafloor spreading.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Petrified palm trees are found in sedimentary rock near glaciers. The presence of the petrified palm trees MOST likely provides evidence for which statement?

• There was once more water in the area.

• The area was once grassland.

• The climate in the area was once tropical.

• There are active faults in the area.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1