Fossil Distribution and Earth's Changes

On the world map, a geologist observes that fossils of the same extinct species of reptiles are found on continents now separated by oceans. What does this fossil distribution suggest about Earth's changes over time?

• The fossil species evolved independently on each continent and were not influenced by continental movement.

• The continents have always been in their present positions, and the fossil species traveled across the oceans.

• The continents were once connected, allowing the species to inhabit regions now separated by oceans, and have since drifted apart due to tectonic movement.

• The fossils show that Earth's climate has remained the same over millions of years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Part A: Based on the law of superposition, which fossil in the diagram can be used as evidence that Locations 1, 2, and 3 used to be connected?

• Gastropod

• Trilobite

• Coral

• Crinoid

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Part B: Which of the following can be concluded from the fossil distributions of Crinoids, Coral, and Trilobites in Locations 1, 2, and 3?

• The fossils suggest that tectonic plate movement caused the locations to become isolated, leading to the creation of distinct ecosystems.

• The fossil data shows that these locations were once part of a single, continuous landmass and have not been altered since.

• The fossil evidence suggests that the three locations have always had identical environmental conditions and were never part of a larger, connected landmass.

• The fossils provide evidence that Earth’s surface has remained unchanged over time, and no plate tectonics occurred.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Part A: Based on the presence of fern fossils in coal deposits, what can be inferred about the environment in which these ferns originally grew?

• A dry, desert-like climate

• A cold, tundra environment

• A high-altitude mountain region

• A warm, swampy ecosystem

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Part B: How does the formation of coal deposits containing fern fossils provide evidence that Earth has changed over time?

• It shows that ferns have evolved to survive in underground environments.

• It indicates that Europe's climate has remained constant for millions of years.

• It suggests that areas now covered in coal were once lush, plant-filled environments.

• It proves that coal has always been present in Earth's crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A paleontologist is studying a graph that shows the diversity of dinosaur species from the Triassic to the Cretaceous period. The graph shows a gradual increase in diversity, with a sharp decline at the end of the Cretaceous period. What does this graph reveal about dinosaur diversity?

• Dinosaur diversity remained constant throughout the Mesozoic Era.

• Dinosaur diversity increased steadily, peaking in the early Cretaceous period before declining sharply.

• Dinosaur diversity fluctuated in an unpredictable manner throughout the Mesozoic Era.

• Dinosaur diversity declined slowly throughout the Mesozoic Era.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Using this model, describe two ways Earth has changed since these fossils were formed. Provide specific evidence from the diagram to support each point.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1