Earth Through Time

Which statement correctly describes the relative age of the rock layers shown in the diagram?

• The left part of R is younger than the right part.

• The left part of layer R is the same age as the right part of T

• Layer J is older than layer V

• Layer T is older than layer R

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The evidence in these rock layers best supports which conclusion?

• There is some overlap in the presence of brachiopods and ammonites on Earth.

• Eurypterids are related to modern-day scorpions and crabs.

• Eurypterids were the least common type of organism in the section of rock.

• The oldest fossils in this section of rock are trilobites.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Certain fossils can be used to help determine the age of the rock layer in which the fossils are found. What are these called?

• index fossil

• trace fossil

• swamp fern fossil

• marine mammal fossil

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What best describes why fossils of the same land-dwelling species have been discovered in both South America and Africa?

• These organisms migrated to these two continents.

• These organisms once lived on one large landmass that later split into tow continents.

• These organisms became extinct due to climate changes on these continents.

• These organisms were separated by the formation of new mountain ranges.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Imprints of the shells of ocean clams are often found in the rocks of the Appalachian Mountains. What is most likely indicated by these imprint fossils?

• Mountain river clams evolved from ocean clams.

• Ocean clams evolved from mountain river clams.

• These mountains once had a more rainy climate.

• These mountains were once under the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Used to determine whether an object is older or younger than other objects

• Superposition

• Relative Dating

• Fossil

• Unconformity

• the tectonic plate under Africa was closer to the South Pole at one time

• the equator was not always where it is currently located

• volcanoes did not exist until after faults occurred in Earth’s crust

• the location of the North Pole and the South Pole changed

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Antarctica is the coldest, driest continent on Earth, and only a few species survive its harsh elements. Yet scientists have found fossils of green fern plants in Antarctica. Based on these findings, which of these is the best conclusion?

• The climate of Antarctica changed over time.

• The location of Antarctica has always been at the South Pole.

• These fossils are of an organism that adapted in Antarctica over time.

• This species could currently exist in Antarctica if there was less competition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Fossilized teeth from an extinct shark were found embedded in a rock layer at the base of a mountain, several hundred kilometers (km) from the nearest ocean.  Which of the following statements best explains why the rock layer cannot be igneous rock?

• The melting process would have destroyed the fossil.

• Weathering and erosion would have broken up the fossil.

• The rock was found at an inland location away from heat and pressure.

• Repeated volcanic eruptions would have buried the fossil too deeply to be found.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Younger rocks lie above older rocks, if layers are left undisturbed.

• Uniformitarianism

• Catastrophism

• Law of Crosscutting

• Law of Superposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4