Fossils/relative age

The diagram shows fossils and rock features...

How does intrusion X compare to the ages of the other rock layers and fossils in this geologic column?

• Intrusion X is older than layers Y and Z.

• Intrusion X is younger than all the layers.

• Intrusion X is older than the clam and broadleaf fossils.

• Intrusion X is younger than the broadleaf and fern fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram shows fossils and rock features...

Which is younger than the clam fossil?

• Layer Z

• Broadleaf

• Reptile bone

• Intrusion X

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows different layers of sedimentary rock. Each layer is labeled with a letter.

Which statement correctly describes the relative ages of the rock layers shown in the diagram?

• The left part of Layer B is younger than the right part.

• The left part of Layer F is the same age as Layer M.

• Layer R is older than Layer M.

• Layer I is older than Layer B.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A teacher gave students this diagram of rock layers. The teacher directed the students to determine the relative age of each rock layer based only on the information presented in the diagram.

Which method can BEST be used by the students to determine the relative age of these layers?

• principle of uniformitarianism

• the law of superposition

• rock type evaluation

• radiometric dating

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The geologic map below shows several rock formations exposed when a road is cut through a hillside.

Which formation in this geological map is youngest?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of these provides the BEST evidence that the distribution of Earth’s oceans has changed over time?

• hot spots on ocean floors

• seismic activity along plate boundaries

• sediment buildup on continental slope

• marine fossils found on land masses

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A fossil discovered in Colorado dates from the early Mesozoic era. A year later a similar fossil is found in Wyoming that also dates from the early Mesozoic era. These two organisms most likely lived in

• the same environment at about the same time.

• the same environment at different times.

• different environments at about the same time.

• different environments at different times.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Certain fossils can be used to help determine the age of the rock layer in which the fossils are found. Which type of fossil is BEST to use when making this determination?

• marine mammal fossil

• swamp fern fossil

• trace fossil

• index fossil

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of these would help determine the changes in a plant species over geologic time?

• examining the fossil record of the plant

• examining the type of seeds the plant produces

• examining the type of animals that eat the plant

• examining the number of plants in a given area

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Paleontologists are scientists who study evidence of past life on Earth. Which method do paleontologists MOST likely use to determine the forms of life that existed millions of years ago?

• examine current species of plants and animals

• research past species in the library

• interview older scientists

• examine fossils records

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1