Plate Motion

Which of the following best explains why Earth is tectonically active?

• Earth’s solid surface layer rotates more rapidly than the layers beneath it.

• Areas of Earth’s solid surface layer are under great pressure from ocean water.

• Earth’s solid surface layer sits on a layer of semimolten rock that slowly flows.

• Areas of Earth’s solid surface layer are thicker and so heavier than other areas.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following would most likely slow Earth’s tectonic activity?

• Earth’s crust becomes cooler.

• Earth’s mantle becomes warmer.

• Earth’s mantle becomes cooler.

• Earth’s outer core becomes warmer.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which analogy BEST illustrates how Earth’s plates move?

• A glass shatters as it falls from a table onto a tile floor.

• A tree root grows into a ledge and breaks off a piece of rock.

• Burning diesel fuel forces a piston downward, turning the crankshaft.

• A moving sidewalk transports travelers from one gate to another at an airport.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which statement best describes why fossils of the same land-dwelling species have been discovered in both South America and Africa?

• These organisms migrated to these two continents.

• These organisms were separated by the formation of new mountain ranges.

• These organisms became extinct due to climate changes on these continents.

• These organisms once lived on one large landmass that later split into two continents.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Extreme conditions make Antarctica difficult for vegetative growth. Most of the plants that grow in Antarctica are simple plants, such as mosses. However, scientists found many fossils of broad-leaved plants that are now extinct. Which statement explains why extinct broad-leaved plants have been found in Antarctica?

• Polar regions of Earth provided enough water to support plant life.

• Tsunamis carried rocks containing plant fossils to Antarctica over time.

• Antarctica was once joined with other continents farther from the South Pole.

• Earth’s South Pole was located where the equator is today millions of years ago.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

When scientists proposed the theory of continental drift, there were many skeptics. Which discovery confirmed that the continents move on plates?

• deep-sea currents

• earthquake formation

• spreading of the sea floor

• sedimentary rocks

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which is the best explanation why the remains of a small reptile living millions of years ago have been found only in Brazil and South Africa?

• subduction

• plate tectonics

• mass extinction

• converging boundaries

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The theory of plate tectonics is based on

• evidence of sea floor spreading.

• topographic mapping of mountain ranges.

• an analysis of soil at the plate boundaries.

• volcanic activity along coastlines.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The Appalachian mountain range in North America is similar in age and rock composition to mountain ranges in Britain and Norway. Similarly, a mountain range that runs east to west in South Africa matches a mountain range in Argentina. Which theory does this evidence support?

• Continents that are now separated were once joined together.

• Regions with similar climates show similar geological activity.

• Mountain building occurred at the same time in different regions.

• Erosion destroyed mountain ranges connecting separate continents.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Fossils of the fern Glossopteris have been found in the continents of South America, Africa, Asia, and Antarctica. The seeds of this fern were too small to be dispersed by wind. Which is best supported by the presence of Glossopteris fossils on these continents?

• Glossopteris was versatile enough to adapt to all climates.

• The landmasses were joined together in prehistoric times.

• Fossils were much better preserved in the southern continents.

• The northern climate regions were not suitable for plant growth.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1