E.8.9A.3

What is the significance of the discovery of Mesosaurus fossils in both South America and Africa, which are separated by the Atlantic Ocean?

• The Mesosaurus could fly across the oceans.

• South America and Africa were once joined together.

• A type of Mesosaurus species could swim long distances.

• South America and Africa had Mesosaurus evolve at the same time.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

How does the discovery of similar rocks of the same age on different continents provide evidence for plate tectonics?

• It indicates an equal rate of erosion and deposition across the planet.

• It implies that meteorite impacts struck multiple continents at the same time.

• It suggests that widespread volcanic eruptions occurred in the past across multiple continents.

• It supports the idea that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart over time.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

A group of researchers compared a fossilized plant discovered in Antarctica and found it to be similar to the ones discovered near the equator. Which two statements explain the presence of the same plant species in Antarctica and continents near the equator?

• Birds carried the plant species.

• The climate in Antarctica used to be warmer.

• Ocean currents carried the fossils to Antarctica.

• Antarctica was once located closer to the equator.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

The image shows the direction of movement of two different plates. What is most likely to form in the resulting gap as the plates spread apart?

• desert

• new crust

• dense forest

• mountain ranges

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

A student studied the discovery of fossils of tropical plant species in Arctic region rocks. Which of these is the most likely scientific explanation for this discovery?

• Ancient civilizations transported fossils to the Arctic.

• The Arctic region once had a tropical climate long ago.

• Tropical plants adapted to survive in cold climates over time.

• Ocean currents carried the fossils from tropical areas to the Arctic.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Which geological feature supports that tectonic plates have spread apart over time?

• Deep sea trenches

• Mid-ocean ridges

• Mountain ranges

• Volcanic islands

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Examine the diagram below. According to the Geological Society of the United Kingdom’s diagram, the Carboniferous glaciation (300 MYA) deposits of common rock and scratches on the bedrock from the glacier suggests _______?

• The continents were once together.

• The glacier covered both the continents and the ocean.

• The continents drifted from the equator to the South Pole.

• Ocean currents, along with the glacier, separated the continents even further than they are today.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Examine the table below. Evaluate whether each Sample Location Statement is either Accurate or Inaccurate. [Select ONE choice per row]

• Accurate

• Inaccurate

Geologists have studied and researched rocks and fossils in Earth's crust in order to find evidence to support the movement of Earth's continents. Which of the following discoveries by a geologist would provide evidence to support the diagram above? [Select ALL that apply]

• Rock layers found in northern Asia that are over 200 million years old have similar compositions to the rock layers on the southern coast of Africa that are the same age.

• Rock layers found on the east coast of South America that are over 100 million years old have similar compositions to the rock layers on the west coast of Africa that are the same age.

• Fossilized plants have been found in correlating rock layers in Europe and Asia.

• Rock layers in Europe are not similar to any of the rock layers in North America.

• A freshwater species, known as the Mesosaurus, is found in correlating rock layers on the southeast tip of South America and the southwest tip of Africa.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Examine the figure below and answer the question that follows. What theory is depicted in the figure above?

• Theory of Evolution

• Theory of Continental Drift

• Theory of Natural Selection

• Theory of Permanentism

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5