Earth History Quiz 1

The map below shows the present-day positions of the continents. Points A through D represent locations on Earth's surface. The location of New York State on the North American continent is indicated. Which letter best represents the inferred position of the New York State region on Earth at the end of the Devonian Period?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The timeline below represents the entire geologic history of Earth. The lettered dots on the timeline represent events in Earth's history. Which lettered dot best indicates the geologic time when humans first appeared on Earth?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which percentage of this radioactive isotope remains at the end of 3 half-lives?

• 6.25%

• 12.5%

• 25.0%

• 87.5%

The change in life-forms in the fossil record from less complex organisms to more complex organisms over time is best explained by

• extinction

• evolution

• dynamic equilibrium

• original horizontally

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which parent isotope has a half life most similar to the age of the Earth and Solar System?

• Uranium-235

• Carbon-14

• Rubidium-87

• Uranium-238

A very large, circular, impact crater under the coast of Mexico is believed to be approximately 66 million years old. This impact event is inferred to be related to the

• appearance of the earliest trilobites

• advance and retreat of the last continental ice sheet

• extinction of the dinosaurs

• formation of Pangea

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

State evidence from the ESSRT that supports the conclusion that Watertown, NY would be a better place to find fossilized corals than Old Forge, NY.

• Watertown, NY has a is named that because it was once under water.

• Old Forge, NY is known for its volcanic activity, which is not conducive to coral fossilization.

• Watertown, NY has Ordovician aged rocks which contain the first fossil corals.

• Old Forge, NY has a colder climate that does not support coral growth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Using page 15 of the ESSRT, which parent isotope would best be used to determine the age of a Giant Beaver fossil and why?

• Carbon-14, because it is an organic material

• Uranium-238, because it is the age of the Earth

• Potassium-40, because it lies within the useful dating range

• Rubidium-87, because it contains potassium

The Moon has many more impact craters visible on its surface than Earth has on its surface. State two reasons that Earth has so few visible impact craters.

• Earth's atmosphere prevents many impacts and geological activity erase craters.

• The Moon's surface is more susceptible to impacts and the rock color shows up better.

• Earth's surface is impenetrable to meteorites and cities cover them up.

• The Moon has a stronger gravitational pull, and less atmosphere.

Using evidence from page 7 of the ESSRT, the Acadian Orogeny was caused by

• intrusion of the Palisades sill

• collision of the North American Plate with the African Plate

• collision of North America and Avalon

• breakup of Pangaea, which formed the Atlantic Ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3