Fossil Layers

What is the name for a scientist who studies fossils?

• physician

• psychologist

• proprietor

• paleontologist

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the data in this diagram?

• Jellyfish and trilobites never competed for resources.

• Trilobites and dinosaurs did not live at the same time.

• Most mammals are in competition with birds for resources.

• Mammals did not appear until after the dinosaurs went extinct.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The fossil remains of organisms with skeletons are not found in the lowest layers of rock discovered. How is the lack of fossilized skeletons in the lowest rock layers best explained?

• Organisms with skeletons did not evolve until after these rock layers formed.

• The fossils of organisms with skeletons are only found in the oldest rocks.

• Fossil skeletons are usually crushed if other rock layers are above the ones they are in.

• Organisms with skeletons live only at the highest altitudes, which is where they turn to fossils.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The illustration shows rock layers from three different locations and fossils the rock layers contain. The fossils are all trilobites, ancient organisms that were different over time. Which conclusion can be drawn from the information in the illustration?

• The trilobite Cyclopygidae appeared most recently of those shown here.

• The trilobite Ceratopigidae appeared before all the others.

• The trilobite Remopleiridae is the oldest of all the trilobites.

• The trilobite Asaphidae appeared most recently of those shown here.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Fossils of trees were discovered in a sedimentary rock layer, and in a rock layer below were fossils of clams. Based on this evidence, what conclusion can be made about the sequence of climates in the past in the area where the fossils were discovered?

• Based on the evidence, it can be assumed that this area was an underwater forest.

• Based on the evidence, it can be assumed that this area was a forest before it was a beach or ocean.

• Based on the evidence, it can be assumed that this area was an ocean or beach before it was a forest.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The mineralized remains of organisms and the rock layers in which they are found

• Fossil

• Rock Strata

• Stratigraphy

• Fossil Record

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The preserved remains or trace of an organism that was once living

• Fossil

• Rock Strata

• Stratigraphy

• Fossil Record

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

When examining rock layers, you will find the oldest layers at the bottom. Newer minerals and rock are piled on top and, over time, this creates distinct rock layers. This is called _______.

• The Law of Superstition

• The Law of Suspicion

• The Law of Horizontality

• The Law of Superposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The sedimentary layers of rock in Earth

• Fossil

• Rock Strata

• Stratigraphy

• Fossil Record

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which fossil layer is the youngest? 

• Layer A

• Layer B

• Layer C

• Layer D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4