Geology Quiz

Which of these layers would most likely be classified as an igneous intrusion based on its position in the diagram?

• Layer 1

• Layer 4

• Layer 7

• Layer 8

Answer explanation

Layer 7 is most likely an igneous intrusion as it appears to cut through other layers, indicating it formed after them. Intrusions are typically younger than the surrounding rock layers.

Which of these layers are most likely to have formed at the same time?

• layers 2 and 10

• layers 3 and 7

• layers 6 and 12

• layers 7 and 8

Answer explanation

Layers 7 and 8 are most likely to have formed at the same time because they are adjacent and typically, layers that are close together in a sequence are deposited concurrently.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of these layers is most likely the oldest?

• layer 1

• layer 2

• layer 3

• layer 4

Answer explanation

In geological layers, the oldest layer is typically at the bottom. Therefore, layer 1 is most likely the oldest, as it is positioned beneath the other layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which method would help determine the order in which rock layers formed?

• Absolute Dating

• Relative Dating

• Carbon Dating

• Fossil Dating

Answer explanation

Relative dating helps determine the order of rock layer formation by comparing their positions and relationships, without providing exact ages. This method is essential for understanding geological history.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which method would be most appropriate to determine the specific number of years since a dinosaur bone was formed?

• Absolute Dating

• Relative Dating

• Carbon Dating

• Fossil Dating

Answer explanation

Absolute dating is the most appropriate method to determine the specific number of years since a dinosaur bone was formed, as it provides a precise age using techniques like radiometric dating.

Which model best represents the number of undecayed and decayed atoms after three half-lives?

• 
• 
• 
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Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

A sample originally had 100% Carbon-14. If it now contains 12.5% of its original Carbon-14, how many half lives have passed?

• 2 Half Lives

• 3 Half Lives

• 4 Half Lives

• 5 Half Lives

Answer explanation

Each half-life reduces the Carbon-14 by half. Starting from 100%, after 1 half-life it is 50%, after 2 half-lives it is 25%, and after 3 half-lives it is 12.5%. Therefore, 3 half-lives have passed.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which of the following is NOT a reason why the geologic time scale is valuable to scientists?

• It allows scientists to arrange Earth's history into manageable segments based on major events and changes.

• It helps in dating rocks and fossils by matching them to specific periods on the time scale.

• It only provides a narrow perspective on the types of organisms that lived in the past and their locations.

• It serves as a tool for understanding the progression and extinction of species over time in relation to environmental changes.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that the geologic time scale provides a broad perspective, not a narrow one. It helps scientists understand diverse organisms and their locations, making the statement about a narrow perspective incorrect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

During which period did the second mass extinction event take place?

• Eon: Phanerozoic, Era: Paleozoic, Period: Ordovician

• Eon: Phanerozoic, Era: Mesozoic, Period: Jurassic

• Eon: Phanerozoic, Era: Cenozoic, Period: Neogene

• Eon: Phanerozoic, Era: Paleozoic, Period: Silurian

Answer explanation

The second mass extinction event occurred during the Ordovician period of the Paleozoic era, which is characterized by significant biodiversity loss, primarily affecting marine life.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

During which geological period did primitive fishes first appear?

• Jurassic Period

• Devonian Period

• Triassic Period

• Silurian Period

Answer explanation

Primitive fishes first appeared during the Devonian Period, often referred to as the 'Age of Fishes' due to the significant diversification and abundance of fish species during this time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1