Geologic Time Scale and Fossils Reading Comprehension

What is the age of the Earth according to the passage?

• 4.6 billion years

• 3.5 billion years

• 5.2 billion years

• 6.0 billion years

What does the Geologic Time Scale represent?

• A timeline of Earth's history based on major changes

• A timeline of human history

• A timeline of the solar system

• A timeline of the universe

According to the law of superposition, where are the oldest rock layers found?

• At the bottom

• At the top

• In the middle

• Randomly distributed

What are index fossils used for?

• Determining the relative age of rock layers

• Determining the absolute age of rock layers

• Identifying the type of rock

• Measuring the thickness of rock layers

Which organism is mentioned as an example of an index fossil?

• Ammonites

• Dinosaurs

• Trilobites

• Mammoths

How old are rock layers containing ammonite fossils?

• Between 190-185 million years old

• Between 200-195 million years old

• Between 180-175 million years old

• Between 170-165 million years old

What process can lead to the formation of fossils in sedimentary rock strata?

• Minerals replacing the hard parts of organisms

• Erosion of rock layers

• Volcanic activity

• Earthquakes

Can we tell the exact age of the fossils based on the diagram? Why or why not?

Rank the following fossils (A, B, C) from oldest to youngest.

Based on the evidence in this diagram, do you think that life began in the ocean or on land? Provide evidence from the diagram to support your answer.