Relative dating allows scientists to:

Place rock layers and events in sequence

Determine the exact age of a rock in years

Measure the temperature of rocks

Identify the chemical composition of rocks

If a fault cuts through several layers of sedimentary rock, what can you infer about the age of the fault compared to the layers?

The fault is younger than the layers it cuts through

The fault is older than all the layers

The fault and the layers are the same age

The fault is older than the top layer only

How can index fossils help geologists correlate rock layers in different locations?

By indicating the rocks formed at the same time

By showing that the rocks are the same color

By proving the rocks are made of the same minerals

By showing the rocks are the same thickness

A geologist finds a sedimentary rock layer containing an index fossil known to have existed 200 million years ago. What can the geologist infer about the age of the rock layer?

The rock layer is about 200 million years old

The rock layer is younger than 200 million years

The rock layer is older than 200 million years

The rock layer is less than 100 million years old

If a layer of igneous rock is found cutting across several layers of sedimentary rock, which is older: the igneous rock or the sedimentary layers?

The sedimentary layers are older

Which of the following best describes the concept of uniformitarianism?

The processes that shaped Earth in the past are the same as those observed today

The processes that shaped Earth in the past are different from those today

Earth’s features formed instantly

Only volcanic activity shapes Earth

A geologist observes that a fault cuts through three sedimentary layers, but not the fourth (topmost) layer. What can the geologist conclude?

The fault is younger than the three lower layers but older than the top layer

The fault is younger than all four layers

The fault is older than all four layers

The fault is the same age as the top layer

Given a sequence of rock layers, how would you use the Law of Superposition and cross-cutting relationships to determine the relative ages of the layers and a fault?

By identifying which layers are cut by the fault and which are not, and noting the order of the layers from bottom to top

By measuring the thickness of each layer

By checking the color of the rocks

If two rock layers in different locations contain the same index fossil, what does this suggest about the age of the layers?

They are made of the same material

A geologist finds a metamorphic rock that has been cut by a fault. What does this indicate about the relative ages of the rock and the fault?

The fault is younger than the metamorphic rock

The metamorphic rock is younger than the fault

The fault is older than all rocks

A sequence of rock layers is found with the following order from bottom to top: Layer A, Layer B, Layer C. A fault cuts through Layers A and B but not C. Which statement is most accurate?

The fault is younger than Layers A and B but older than Layer C

The fault is older than all three layers

The fault is younger than Layer C

The fault is the same age as Layer C

What does the law of superposition state about the age of fossils in rock layers?

The oldest fossils are found near the bottom of the rock layers.

Fossils are randomly distributed throughout the rock layers.

The youngest fossils are found at the bottom of the rock layers.

Fossils are only found in the topmost layers of rock.

What is an unconformity in geology?

A surface that represents a gap in the geologic record, indicating that sediment was not deposited for a period of time.

A type of rock formation that is formed under high pressure and temperature.

A layer of sediment that has been eroded away due to weathering.

A geological feature that indicates the presence of fossils in the rock layers.

What are the relative ages of the features in order from oldest to youngest?

Limestone, Siltstone, Fault, Basalt

Limestone, Basalt, Fault, Siltstone

Siltstone, Fault, Basalt, Limestone

Limestone, Fault, Basalt, Siltstone

How did the theory of continental drift help explain the distribution of fossils and rock types across continents?

It explained that continents were once joined, allowing similar fossils and rocks to be found on different continents

It showed that continents have always been in their current positions

It proved that all rocks are the same age

It showed that fossils only form in one place

Why is the Law of Superposition important for relative dating?

It allows scientists to sequence events in Earth's history

It helps determine the absolute age of rocks

It explains how rocks are formed

It describes the movement of continents

The diagram shows a rock cycle model made by a group of students. Based on the rock cycle model, which statement is true? Responses

Temperature, pressure, and weathering drive the rock cycle.

All rocks originate only from igneous rocks.

The rock cycle stops after the formation of sedimentary rocks.

Change in temperature alone is responsible for the creation of metamorphic rocks.

The diagram represents the rock layers and fossils found in four separate rock outcrops. Which fossil is the best index fossil?

It is found in one layer in all four outcrops

It is found in all four layers in one outcrop.

It is found in only one of the four outcrops.

It is found in both the oldest and youngest layers.

ESS.8.1.1 -Relative Dating

Authored by Chrystal Haigler

Science

8th Grade

NGSS covered

Used 6+ times

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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

What does the Law of Superposition state about sedimentary rock layers?

The oldest layer is at the top and the youngest is at the bottom.

The oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest is at the top.

All layers are the same age.

The age of layers cannot be determined.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

Which type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?

Sedimentary rock

Metamorphic rock

Igneous rock

Fossil rock

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

What is an index fossil?

A fossil found only in igneous rocks

A fossil that is useful for dating and correlating the strata in which it is found

A fossil that is found in only one location

A fossil that is younger than the rock layer it is found in

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

Which process describes the movement of continents over time?

Stratigraphy

Continental drift

Cross-cutting relationships

Uniformitarianism

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

What is the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago?

Gondwana

Eurasia

Pangea

Laurasia

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

Which principle states that a fault or intrusion is younger than the rocks it cuts through?

Law of Superposition

Law of Original Horizontality

Cross-cutting relationships

Law of Lateral Continuity

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ESS.8.1.1 -Relative Dating

What does the Law of Superposition state about sedimentary rock layers?

Which type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?

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

What is an index fossil?

Which process describes the movement of continents over time?

What is the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago?

Which principle states that a fault or intrusion is younger than the rocks it cuts through?

Which type of rock is most likely to contain fossils?

Relative dating allows scientists to:

If a fault cuts through several layers of sedimentary rock, what can you infer about the age of the fault compared to the layers?

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