Analyzing the Rock and Fossil Records

The oldest rock layer in an undisturbed rock sequence occurs ____.

• at the bottom of the sequence

• below the sedimentary rock layer

• below the unconformity

• at the top of the sequence

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The principle of __________________states that, in an undisturbed sequence, the oldest rocks are at the bottom of the sequence and successive layers are younger than those below them.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The principle of superposition can be used to determine.

• the actual age of these rock layers

• the relative densities of these rock layers

• the actual temperatures of these rock layers

• the relative age of these rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows a rock profile containing layers of different types of rock and igneous intrusions. Which sequence lists the correct order of events in the area represented in the diagram?

• Igneous intrusion Y formed.

  The shale layer was deposited.

  Igneous intrusion X formed.

  The limestone layer was deposited.

  The mudstone layer was deposited.

• The mudstone layer was deposited.

  The limestone layer was deposited.

  The shale layer was deposited.

  Igneous intrusion Y cut into the mudstone, limestone, and shale.

  Igneous intrusion X cut into the mudstone, limestone, and shale.

• Igneous intrusion X formed.

  Igneous intrusion Y formed.

  The shale layer was deposited.

  The limestone layer was deposited.

  The mudstone layer was deposited.

• The layer of mudstone was deposited.

  The layer of limestone was deposited.

  Igneous intrusion Y cut into the mudstone and limestone.

  The shale layer was deposited.

  Igneous intrusion X cut into the mudstone, limestone, and shale.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The group of rocks that will most likely contain fossils are the _______________ rocks.

• sedimentary

• igneous

• metamorphic

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How do paleontologists use the fossil record to make evolutionary inferences?

• By comparing the size of fossils

• By studying the sequence of fossils in rock layers

• By counting the number of fossils

• By listening to the stories told by ancient civilizations

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Only __________ rocks can contain visible fossils.

• Metamorphic

• Igneous

• Sedimentary

• Fossil

In what ways do fossils help scientists predict future biodiversity and environmental changes?

• By providing a record of past mass extinctions and recoveries

• By showing where oil can be found

• By indicating where to find precious stones

• By offering a map of ancient civilizations

Tags

DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

How does the study of fossils contribute to our understanding of Earth's history?

• It provides a detailed account of human history

• It helps in locating precious metals

• It offers insights into past climates, environments, and the evolution of life

• It predicts future geological events

Tags

DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

What does the fossil record provide evidence for?

• The history of modern technology

• The history of past life on Earth

• The future predictions of animal evolution

• The chemical composition of ancient rocks

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall