Unit 2 Earth History and Evolution

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

• radiometric dating

• absolute dating

• relative dating

• speed dating

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Scientists found two ammonite fossils in rock layers far across the ocean floor from each other. Ammonite fossils are a type of index fossil. Knowing this, which of the following could scientists infer about the rock layers containing the fossils?

• The rock layers are about the same relative age.

• Both rock layers formed because of volcanic activity.

• The rock layers experienced the same kinds of erosion.

• The same climate existed where both rock layers formed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Why are index fossils used as guides to determine the age of rocks?

• Each index fossil lived during a specific geologic time period.

• Index fossils are found in igneous rocks.

• Index fossils are very rare and are not commonly found in rocks.

• All index fossils lived during all the periods of geologic time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The rock layers below were dated using the radioactive decay method.

Layer W 50,000 years old

Layer X 150,000 years old

Layer Y 75,000 years old

Layer Z 20,000 years old

If the layers have been undisturbed, which best represents their arrangement from bottom layer to top layer?

• W, X, Y, Z

• X, Y, W, Z

• Z, W, Y, X

• Z, Y, X, W

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

When examining a rock sample, which of the following is the best method for determining its exact age?

• superposition

• relative dating

• radioactive dating

• index fossil identification

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

What is the primary reason a scientist would study an ice core sample?

• to study changes in gravity

• to study sedimentary rocks

• to determine the relative age of fossils

• to study changes in climate

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

An 8th grade student was asked to organize 4 geologic time periods in order from most recent to most ancient. Which of the following is the best response?

• Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic

• Paleozoic, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic

• Cenozoic, Mesozoic, Paleozoic, Precambrian

• Mesozoic, Cenozoic, Paleozoic, Precambrian

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Imagine four sedimentary rock layers, a fault, and an igneous rock intrusion....

Which best describes the age of the fault?

• The fault is younger than the igneous rock intrusion and the four sedimentary rock layers.

• The fault is older than the igneous rock intrusion and the four sedimentary rock layers.

• The fault is younger than the igneous rock intrusion and older than the four sedimentary rock layers.

• The fault is older than the igneous rock intrusion and younger than the four sedimentary rock layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which provides the best evidence to support continental drift?

• Coastlines are constantly changing shape due to erosion.

• Earthquakes are frequently felt in many regions of the world.

• Glaciers currently exist in areas considered too warm for glaciers to form.

• Fossilized remains of the same plants and animals are found on different continents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which best explains why species living in Australia are found nowhere else on Earth?

• Australia has an ecosystem different from any other area on Earth.

• Humans have genetically altered many Australian species in laboratories.

• Australian species were genetically altered after a comet hit the landmass.

• Australia separated from other continents and species there evolved independently.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4