Unit 2 - Earth History

Seth has found several fossils. Which discovery is a trace fossil?

• bones

• claws

• footprints

• teeth

John was walking on the beach and found a piece of rock with the imprint of a plant. Which term best describes the type of fossil he found?

• cast fossil

• mold fossil

• preserved fern

• preserved animal

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Large fossilized teeth were found in shallow waters along a coastal area. Scientists think such teeth were used for catching and eating small fish. Which modern-day organism is similar to the fossil?

• bird

• crab

• shark

• turtle

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

This is a fossil found in a layer of rock. Which modern organism is most likely the closest relative of the fossil?

• jellyfish

• octopus

• snake

• turtle

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientists found a fossil of a fern. How does knowing that present-day ferns live in warmer climates most likely help scientists understand Earth’s climate from long ago?

• It suggests that the area where the fossil was found had a warm, wet climate.

• It suggests that the area where the fossil was found had a cold, dry climate.

• It suggests that the area where the fossil was found was once under water.

• It suggests that the area where the fossil was found was once a desert.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A scientist finds a fossil within sedimentary rock. Which best explains how the fossil became part of the rock?

• The fossil was preserved after the sedimentary rock was deposited.

• The fossil was preserved before the sedimentary rock was deposited.

• The fossil was preserved at the same time the sedimentary rock was deposited.

• The fossil was preserved in a different location than the sedimentary rock was deposited.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which parts of organisms are most likely to form into fossils?

• soft parts

• tiny parts

• hard parts

• smooth parts

A scientist found a fossil of an early fern and a tree in the bottom layer of rock, while a fossil of a fish and clam were in the top layer of rock. Which can most likely be inferred about the environments in the area over time?

• A. A desert environment gradually turned into a forest environment.

• B. There was a forest environment and later an ocean environment.

• C. There was a rain forest environment and later a drier forest.

• D. An ocean environment changed into a desert environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A scientist discovered fossils of water creatures with bones and teeth. What might these findings suggest?

• A. eating habits of these creatures

• B. predators of these creatures

• C. strength of these creatures

• D. color of these creatures

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which type of fossil discovery most likely indicates a geological change occurred?

• finding a fly preserved in amber

• finding a fish fossil in the desert

• finding a shell fossil near the ocean

• finding a dinosaur footprint in the mountains

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3