8 E 2 1 and 2

If a metamorphic rock contains an intrusion of igneous rock, which rock is the oldest?

• The igneous rock is older.

• The rocks are the same age.

• The metamorphic rock is older.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which is a process that allows scientists to compare rock layers with others in a sequence to determine their age?

• radiometric dating

• absolute dating

• relative dating

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows a cross-section of several rock layers and geological features. Based on the diagram, which is true?

• Layer U is the oldest

• Layer Z is the youngest

• Layer T is older than layer S

• Layer X is older than layer y

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Scientists have identified four sedimentary rock layers from an archaeological dig as shown above. Which is most likely the oldest sedimentary rock layer?

• Layer R

• Layer S

• Layer T

• Layer U

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A scientist finds the bones of a dinosaur. What could help the scientist determine the approximate age of the dinosaur bones?

• the birds living in the area of the bones

• the weather conditions in the area of the bones

• the kinds of trees living in the area of the bones

• the index fossils in the area of the bones

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which statement best describes the Law of Superposition?

• Each sedimentary layer of rock represents 1,000 years of Earth’s age, much like the rings of a tree.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the upper rock layers are older than the lower rock layers.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the lowest layers contain the older rocks.

• Rocks that form near volcanoes are older than surrounding rock.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Scientists find dinosaur fossils in the bottom rock layers of a cliff and mammal fossils in the middle rock layer of the cliff. Which could best be concluded from this evidence?

• Dinosaurs ate plantes

• Dinosaurs were eaten by the mammals

• Dinosaurs lived on Earth before the mammals

• Dinosaurs and mammals lived at the same time

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The half-life of a radioactive element, such as carbon-14, is the time it takes for half of the atoms of the element to decay. How many half-life periods have passed if a fossil contains 1/32 of the original amount of carbon-14?

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

The radioactive isotope content of a rock can be used to identify which property of the rock?

• the total mass of the rock

• the rate at which the rock is formed

• the type of fossils that the rock contains

• the amount of time passed since the rock formed

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which method would be BEST for scientists to use to determine the absolute age of a Precambrian igneous rock?

• index fossils

• law of superposition

• radiometric dating

• law of original horizontality