Patterns in Fossil Record

Take a look at the layers of earth and the fossils in each layer.  The fossils show us that life forms changed in an area.  Compare the oldest life forms to the newest.  What comment can you make about the change in the environment?

• The environment changed from underwater to land. 
• The environment changed from land to salt water.
• There was no change in the environments over time.
• The environment changed from salt water to fresh water. 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Ferns, such as the one in the picture, can be found today. They are usually found growing in warmer climates. However, fossils of ferns have been found in places with cold climates where it often snows today. What can we conclude about the places where the fossils of ferns have been found?

• Ferns used to live in cold climates.
• These places once had a warmer climate.
• These places once had a colder climate.
• Someone tried to grow ferns in cold climates. 

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Suppose scientists unearthed a fossil of one of the first pine trees on Earth. This pine tree grew on the earth about the same time as the first

• bird
• fish
• mammal
• reptile

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

In which layer did fossil C come into existence? How do you know this?

• Layer 1-Because that is the layer it is first seen

• Layer 1- Because that is the last layer it is seen in

• Layer 2- Because that is the layer it is first seen

• Layer 2- Because that is the last layer it is seen in

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The evolution of the horse is the most complete fossil record we have of a single organism. Using the picture, what can you conclude happened to the horse over time?

• The horse grew larger and lost its toes

• The horse shrank and lost its toes

• The horse grew larger and gained toes

• The horse shrank and gained toes

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

If you know the age of a rock, you know the relative age of the _________________ that was found inside.

• sticky tar

• fossil

• amber

• ice

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of the following can be learned by using the fossil record?

• When organisms changed or evolved

• when organisms appeared on Earth

• when organisms became extinct

• All the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of the following can be learned by using the fossil record?

• When organisms changed or evolved

• when organisms appeared on Earth

• when organisms became extinct

• All the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Fossils are found in ____________________________ rock

• Igneous

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary

• Granite

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The preserved remains of an organism from long ago is called a ___________

• stratum

• clast

• fossil

• relative age

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2