Fossils and Extinction

In a section of the Grand Canyon, scientists have found the fossil remains of several dfferent groups of organisms. The diagram represents the number and age of the fossils the scientists found. The width of each shaded area in the diagram below indicates the relative number of fossils found. Which of the following statements is supported by the fossil record?

• Group C is now extinct.

• Group D has been in existence the longest.

• Group A is the most recent organism to come into existence.

• Group B was the most numerous organism 10 million years ago.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram shows the fossil record of different species.

When did a major extinction event most likely occur?

• at the end of the Cenozoic

• at the end of the Permian

• at the beginning of the Silurian

• at the beginning of the Cambrian

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram represents a cross-section of a cliff. It shows several rock layers containing fossils.

Which of the following layers of rock is most likely the youngest?

• the layer containing trilobites

• the layer containing fishes

• the layer containing amphibians

• the layer containing dinosaurs

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following is the most reasonable conclusion when fossils of these two dfferent types of organisms are found in the same layers of rock?

• Crinoids were prey for trilobites.

• Crinoids were ancestors of trilobites.

• Crinoids and trilobites had similar behaviors.

• Crinoids and trilobites lived at the same time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Throughout fossil records, many species appearing in lower layers of rock disappear in higher layers of rock. Which best explains their disappearance?

• The species became extinct.

• The species moved to another geographic location.

• The fossil remains were disrupted by an earthquake.

• Environmental conditions were not suitable for fossil formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is believed to be a major factor in the extinction of dinosaurs?

• A giant volcano eruption

• An ice age

• A massive flood

• An asteroid impact

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What term is used to describe a species that no longer exists?

• Extinct

• Endangered

• Fossil

• Catastrophism

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram shows a geologic cross section.

Which rock layer most likely contains fossils of the most recently evolved organisms?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which rock layer indicates a dry, hot climate at one time in geologic history?

• Layer A

• Layer B

• Layer C

• Layer D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Use the diagram to answer the following question. In which stage of the rock cycle shown above would you predict the formation of fossils?

• Stage L

• Stage M

• Stage N

• Stage P

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1