Quiz on Fossils

By studying fossils, scientists have learned that

• animals have changed over time, but plants have not.

• both animals and plants have changed over time.

• plants have changed over time, but animals have not.

• neither animals nor plants have changed over time

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The diagrams below represent rock layers found in two different locations by two different scientists. The scientist at location X used letters to label his rock layers, while the scientist at location Y used Roman numerals to label her layers. Examine these diagrams and then answer the question that follows. The scientists both used the same colors and patterns to represent different types of rocks. They also used the same set of black-and-white symbols to represent specific types of fossils in the layers. By correlating layers based on fossils and rock types, the two scientists have discovered that certain rock layers are present in both locations. Which layers are the same?

• Layers T and U are the same as layers VI and VII.

• Layers P, Q, R, and S are the same as layers IV, V, VI, and VII.

• Layers T and U are the same as layers I and II.

• Layers P, Q, R, and S are the same as layers I, II, III, and IV.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Volcanoes are formed when magma from the Earth's mantle moves upward toward the surface. As the magma moves upward, it can also move sideways into cracks. Eventually, this magma can cool off and form igneous rock. Some volcanoes are extinct, and instead of flowing magma, there are igneous rock formations that have cut through other rock layers. These features are shown below.

• Rock formation Z formed at the same time as rock layers X and Y.

• Rock layers X and Y are younger than rock formation Z.

• Rock layers X and Y are older than rock formation Z.

• Rock layer Y formed after rock formation Z but before rock layer X.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Lifeforms have changed throughout Earth's geologic history. Scientists learn about these changes by studying the fossil record. For example, scientists have learned when different groups of organisms first appeared. These events can be placed within specific periods on the geologic time scale. Dinosaurs first appeared during the Triassic period, and large mammals first appeared during the Tertiary period. Flowering plants first appeared after dinosaurs but before large mammals. Using this information and the geologic time scale, choose the period in which flowering plants first appeared?

• Quaternary

• Cretaceous

• Permian

• Cambrian

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

If a scientist knows the relative age of a fossil, he can also know

• the type of climate from which it came.

• how long the organism was alive.

• the relative age of the rock where it was found.

• how it became extinct.

What conditions are necessary for the formation of fossils?

• Rapid burial and the presence of hard parts.

• Slow decay and the absence of oxygen.

• Acidic environment and extreme temperatures.

• A and B only.

Use the following diagram to complete the question. Which of the following statements is true according to the law of superposition?

• The shale layer is older than the limestone layer.

• The dolomite layer is younger than the shale layer.

• The sandstone layer is older than the igneous rocks layer.

• The igneous rocks layer is younger than the limestone layer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Use the text to answer the following question. Why did the students believe the fossil they discovered could be an index fossil?

• The fossil was found in a recent layer of rock.

• It belonged to a species that was widespread and existed for a limited time period.

• The fossil was very large in size.

• The rock layer containing the fossil was very deep underground.

Use the text to answer the following question. How did the students confirm their hypothesis about the age of the rock layer?

• By measuring the thickness of the rock layers.

• By analyzing the chemical composition of the fossils.

• By researching the known instances of the species and correlating it with the stratigraphic column.

• By counting the number of fossils in each layer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

How can deformed rock layers provide evidence for the occurrence of earthquakes and tectonic plate movements?

• By showing that all rock layers remain flat and undeformed

• By observing that rock layers are bent, folded, or faulted, which indicates that the area has experienced significant stress and pressure from tectonic forces or earthquakes, deforming the originally horizontal layers

• By finding only sedimentary rock layers that are undisturbed

• By discovering that all rock layers are composed of the same material

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2