Fossil Evidence

Which fossil most likely represents the oldest form of life?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Take a look at the layer of earth and the fossils in each layer. The fossils show us that life forms changed in an area. Compare the oldest forms to the newest. What comment can you make about the change in the environment?

• There was no change in the environment over time.

• The environment changed from underwater to land.

• The environment changed from salt water to fresh water.

• The environment changed from land to salt water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Woolly mammoths were large extinct animals that had features similar to elephants. Scientists have learned about woolly mammoths by studying their fossils.The table compares features found on woolly mammoth fossils to features of modern African elephants. Woolly mammoths were adapted to cold climates. African elephants have adapted to warmer climates. Which statement about the animals’ features best shows this difference?

• The animals have similar trunks and different-sized tails.

• The animals have different body coverings and different-sized ears.

• The animals have the same tusk shape and different-sized ears.

• The animals are about the same height and have different-sized tusks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What does the diagram tell us about Earth's history?

• Earth is a new planet.

• Earth has remained the same.

• Earth has changed only recently.

• Earth has changed over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram shows changes within a herd of deer over many hundreds of years. Which statement best explains why some deer that went to the mountains survived and others did not?

• The deer with the thicker fur were able to survive because they were smaller and could hide in the snow more easily

• The deer with the thicker fur were able to survive because they could withstand the cold weather in the mountains.

• The deer with the thicker fur were able to survive because they could digest foods faster in the mountains

• The deer with the thicker fur were able to survive because they could reproduce in the summer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Look at the layers of rock. What of the following does NOT give us information about its age?

• the position of the layer

• when the layer was found

• how long it took the layer to form

• the type of fossils in the layer

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Fossils of a dinosaur head and teeth were recently discovered. The huge mouth and teeth are similar to the shape of an alligator's mouth and teeth. What does this tell us about the dinosaur?

• The dinosaur was a brownish-green color, like the alligator.

• The dinosaur was an herbivore or plant-eater.

• The dinosaur was a carnivore or meat-eater.

• The dinosaur was a carnivore or meat-eater.

  
  

  The dinosaur lived in water and had a long tail.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The picture shows two mice called pocket mice. Pocket mice can be born with either light-colored fur or dark-colored fur. A group of pocket mice lives in a habitat where there is light sandy soil and dark lava rocks. Mice with light-colored fur blend in with the light sandy soil. Mice with dark-colored fur blend in with the dark lava rocks. Which habitat change would most likely benefit mice with dark-colored fur and not help mice with light-colored fur?

• Light sandy soil becomes very dry because of direct sunlight.

• Light sandy soil blows around in the wind and covers up dark lava rocks

• Dark lava rocks break into small pieces from weathering

• Lava erupts from a volcano and then hardens into large areas of dark lavarocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Look at the picture below. Gazelle 2 has short legs instead of the normal long legs that Gazelle 1 has. Which best describes how having shorter legs will affect Gazelle 2?

• Shorter legs will have a positive effect because the gazelle will be able to run faster to escape from predators.

• Shorter legs will have a negative effect because the gazelle will not be able to run as fast and will be easier for predators to catch.

• Shorter legs will have a positive effect because the gazelle will be able to drink and store more water.

• Shorter legs will have a negative effect because the gazelle will not be able to drink enough water to survive.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

This is a fossil of a dinosaur's footprint. This fossil can give scientists clues about the dinosaur's ______________.

• size.

• mating habits

• reason for extinction

• color

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1