LS4.1 Fossils TCAP Review

The diagram shows a cross section of the layers of a sedimentary rock with some fossils in it. Assume that the rock layers have been preserved in their original sequence, which fossil is the oldest?

• Fish skeleton

• Spiral shell

• Clam shell

• Fern leaf

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The geologic cross section diagram shows undisturbed rock layers with index fossils from two regions (A and B). The two index species are identified in the index fossil key. Which answer option correctly describes the relative ages of the rock layers in the diagram?

• Layer 6 is older than layer 3. Layer 2 is younger than layer 4.

• Layer 6 is older than layer 3. Layers 2 and 4 are the same age.

• Layer 6 is younger than layer 3. Layers 2 and 4 are the same age.

• Layer 6 is younger than layer 3. Layer 2 is older than layer 4.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Researchers have discovered fossils of tropical trees and ferns in modern-day Greenland and Antarctica. What can be inferred from this evidence?

• Greenland and Antarctica once had tropical climates.

• Ocean currents carried the floating fossils to Greenland and Antarctica.

• Migratory birds carried the seeds of the trees and ferns from the tropics.

• The tropical trees and ferns adapted to the colder northern and southern climates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which geologic event happened most recently?

• Folding of rock layers W, Y, and X

• Intrusion of igneous rock Z

• Faulting of rock layers V, W, Y, and X

• Intrusion of rock layer Y

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which method describes a way of arranging fossils in chronological order?

• comparing the fossils with other similar living species

• arranging the fossils on the basis of their sizes and masses

• correlating each fossil to the rock layer in which it was found

• evaluating the condition of the fossils when they are discovered

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which organism is an index fossil, and why?

• Organism A. It is found in all four rock layers of Area 2.

• Organism B. It is found in different rock layers across the four areas.

• Organism C. It is found only in one rock layer across all the four areas.

• Organism D. It is found only in one rock layer of Area 4.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram shows the fossils of some organisms in different, undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock. What could be accurately concluded about the fossils?

• Organism A evolved from organism D.

• Organism B had the largest population.

• Organisms B and C were genetically identical.

• Organism D existed before organisms B and C.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Examine the diagram showing fossils within sedimentary rock layers.

• The fossil in layer A is more closely related to a modern organism.

• The fossil in layer B is more closely related to a modern organism.

• The fossil in layer C is more closely related to a modern organism.

• The fossil in layer D is more closely related to a modern organism.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram shows two outcrops obtained from two different regions. A student labels each of the rock layers, as shown. What is the youngest layer of the two outcrops?

• Layer A

• Layer E

• Layer H

• Layer K

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What must be true in order for a species to serve as an index fossil?

• The species must have only lived in a small geographic area.

• The species must have only lived for a short period of geologic time.

• The species must not be extinct.

• The species must look similar to several other species.