MP2 Exam Review 25/26

What are the properties of an index fossil? How do they help determine the relative age of rock layers?

• They are widespread and existed for a short period, helping to date rock layers.

• They are rare and found only in deep ocean sediments.

• They are only found in volcanic rocks.

Answer explanation

Index fossils are widespread and existed for a short period, making them useful for dating rock layers. Their presence in various locations indicates the same geological time, aiding in relative age determination.

What is absolute age? How do you determine it?

• The age of a rock layer compared to others, determined by its position.

• The exact age of a rock or fossil, determined by radiometric dating.

• The age of a rock layer based on the fossils found within it.

• The age of a rock layer determined by its color.

Answer explanation

Absolute age refers to the exact age of a rock or fossil, which is determined through methods like radiometric dating. This contrasts with relative age, which compares the ages of rock layers.

What is relative age? How do you determine it?

• The exact age of a rock or fossil, determined by radiometric dating.

• The age of a rock layer compared to others, determined by its position.

• The age of a rock layer based on the fossils found within it.

• The age of a rock layer determined by its color.

Answer explanation

Relative age refers to the age of a rock layer in comparison to others, determined by its position in the geological column. This method helps establish a timeline of events without needing exact dates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the law of Superposition?

• Older layers are on top of younger layers in undisturbed rock sequences.

• Younger layers are on top of older layers in undisturbed rock sequences.

• Layers are arranged randomly in undisturbed rock sequences.

• Layers are arranged by color in undisturbed rock sequences.

Answer explanation

The law of Superposition states that in undisturbed rock sequences, younger layers are deposited on top of older layers. Therefore, the correct choice is that younger layers are on top of older layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Zircon crystals from Australia have been dated to approximately 4.2 billion years old. What does this suggest about their formation period relative to when the Earth formed?

• They formed after the Earth formed.

• They formed at the same time as the Earth.

• They formed before the Earth formed.

• They formed during the last ice age.

Answer explanation

Zircon crystals dated to 4.2 billion years suggest they formed around the same time as the Earth, which is estimated to be about 4.5 billion years old. Thus, the correct choice is that they formed at the same time as the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What are some discoveries that offer the strongest evidence for determining the age of the solar system?

• Fossils found on Earth.

• Meteorites and lunar rocks.

• Ocean sediments.

• Volcanic rocks.

Answer explanation

Meteorites and lunar rocks provide the most reliable evidence for the solar system's age, as they are remnants from its formation, allowing scientists to date them accurately using radiometric techniques.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

What is the role of radiometric dating in determining the age of Earth’s materials?

• It measures the color of rocks to determine age.

• It uses the decay of radioactive isotopes to determine age.

• It compares rock layers to determine age.

• It uses the size of crystals to determine age.

Answer explanation

Radiometric dating determines the age of Earth's materials by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes. This method provides accurate age estimates based on the known rates of decay, unlike other methods listed.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

How do impact craters on Earth and other planets help scientists study the early solar system?

• They provide information about volcanic activity.

• They show the effects of erosion over time.

• They offer clues about the frequency and size of past impacts.

• They indicate the presence of water in the past.

Answer explanation

Impact craters reveal the history of collisions in the solar system, providing insights into the frequency and size of past impacts. This information helps scientists understand the conditions of the early solar system.

What are the 3 MAIN internal layers of the Earth?

• Crust, Mantle, Core

• Lithosphere, Asthenosphere, Mesosphere

• Inner Core, Outer Core, Crust

• Crust, Lithosphere, Core

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Crust, Mantle, Core' as these are the three main internal layers of the Earth. The crust is the outer layer, the mantle is beneath it, and the core is the innermost layer.

What is the main geological feature of the asthenosphere?

• It is rigid and brittle

• It is hot and plastic-like

• It is cold and solid

• It is liquid and flowing

Answer explanation

The asthenosphere is characterized by being hot and plastic-like, allowing it to flow slowly. This property contrasts with the rigid and brittle nature of the lithosphere above it.