Plate Tectonics Assessment

Before there was evidence from rocks and fossils, many scientists theorized that the continents were once joined together. Using only maps, these scientists observed that -

• the shapes of the continents allowed them to fit together.

• weathering and erosion have reshaped the surface of the Earth.

• the oceans have become smaller throughout Earth’s history.

• the continents were all bordered by mountain ranges.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following provides evidence for past tectonic plate motions?

• Matching rock type and rock formations can show the way the continents were once attached.

• Glacial evidence has been found in areas where glaciers could not exist if the continents were in their current location.

• Ancient life forms preserved as fossils can tell us what organisms existed and where they were. Matching the fossils can show that land masses were once connected.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The distribution of fossils is used as evidence for plate tectonics. The distribution of four different fossil organisms over three different continents is shown in the diagram.

The distribution of which organisms can be used as evidence that Africa was once connected to South America?

• Lystrosaurus, Mesosaurus, and Glossopteris

• Cynognathus, Glossopteris, and Lystrosaurus

• Glossopteris, Cynognathus, and Mesosaurus

• Cynognathus, Mesosaurus, and Lystrosaurus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

By studying the distribution of different types of fossils, geologists have determined that some plates have traveled great distances. Evidence to support this comes from the fact that –

• fossils of organisms that lived in warm climates have been found in arctic environments.

• species of organisms in the fossil record have changed over geologic time.

• some fossilized organisms have only been found on one continent.

• the oldest known fossils, found in the deepest rock layers, represent ocean organisms.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The theory of plate tectonics was, at first, rejected by most scientists. Now most geologists accept that tectonic plates exist and that these tectonic plates can and do move.

What is responsible for the change in how scientists think about plate tectonics?

• New evidence was discovered that made scientists revise their ideas.

• Tectonic plates have begun to move faster and faster over time.

• There are more people studying science now than in the past.

• Scientists can now travel underneath the plates and observe their motion.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Even before modern observations provided evidence supporting the theory of plate tectonics, people developed hypotheses that the continents were once joined together. Using only maps, what did they observe?

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Fossils of organisms that once lived in warmer climates millions of years ago have been found in arctic environments today. What fact does this evidence support?

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The Mesosaurus was a freshwater reptile that existed about 250 million years ago.

Why are the fossils of Mesosaurus found today in some rock layers in both South America and Africa?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3