Fossils and Earth's History

Certain fossils can be used to help determine the age of the rock layer in which the fossils are found. Which type of fossil is BEST to use when making this determination?

• marine mammal fossil

• swamp fern fossil

• trace fossil

• index fossil

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following BEST describes the fossil at Point 3 when compared with the fossils at Points 1 and 2?

• The fossil at Point 3 is less common

• The fossil at Point 3 is smaller.

• The fossil at Point 3 is older.

• The fossil at Point 3 is more complex

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

When two fish die, Fish A sinks to the bottom of a lake and Fish B washes up on the rocky lake shore. Why is a fossil more likely to form from the body of Fish A than from the body of Fish B?

• Soft parts of the fish will decay more quickly in the water.

• Sediments in the water will quickly cover the fish

• Scavengers in the water will eat the remains of the fish.

• Currents in the water will move the fish.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Trilobites are extinct animals that lived in the oceans. Fossils of these animals can be found in dry areas such as Cincinnati. What does this indicate?

• Trilobites now live underground.

• Trilobites are the ancestors of jellyfish.

• Cincinnati was once covered by the ocean where trilobites lived.

• The environment changed, creating small saltwater lakes in Cincinnati.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A student has made the geologic column that you see here.

• fossils

• soil type

• environment

• plate tectonics

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which is the BEST conclusion that can be made from comparing the diagrams?

• Elephant species have changed over time.

• Ancient elephants were better adapted than modern elephants

• Elephant habitats have remained the same over time.

• Elephant fossil evidence is widespread and complete

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientists are able to conclude that a forested ecosystem existed in Antarctica millions of years ago by studying:

• the current climate

• the fossil record

• glacial movement

• seafloor spreading

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How do scientists know that some mountains were once at the bottom of an ocean?

• Freshwater rivers flow to the ocean.

• Saltwater fish are found in some mountain streams.

• Dinosaur bones have been discovered in the mountains.

• Marine fossils have been found on the peaks of some mountains.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram shows different layers of sedimentary rock. Each layer is labeled with a letter.

• The left part of Layer B is younger than the right part.

• The left part of Layer F is the same age as Layer M.

• Layer R is older than Layer M

• Layer I is older than Layer B

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of these provides the BEST evidence that the distribution of Earth’s oceans has changed over time?

• hot spots on ocean floors

• seismic activity along plate boundaries

• sediment buildup on continental slope

• marine fossils found on land masses

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1