Fossils STAAR

The diagram above shows layers of sedimentary rock in the Earth’s crust. In which layer of rock should a scientist expect to find the oldest fossils?

• Layer M

• Layer N

• Layer O

• Layer P

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

This picture shows layers of the earth and the fossils found in each. The youngest fossils would be found in-

• top layers of rock

• the middle rock layers

• the bottom layers of rock

• every layer

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram above shows layers of sedimentary rocks and examples of their fossils. Which layer contains the oldest fossils?

• Layer 2

• Layer 4

• Layer 1

• Layer 3

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagrams represent the rock layers and fossils found in 4 different samples pulled from the earth.

Which fossil appears to be the youngest?

• 
• 
• 
• 

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

You just learned that there are several different kinds of fossils. Identify each of these as either a trace fossil, a whole body fossil, or a fossil of only one part of an animal or plant.

a

b

c

Whole body fossil

only one part

trace fossil

This is an example of a

• cast fossil

• mold fossil

• trace fossil

• carbon film

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

You just learned that there are several different kinds of fossils.

Identify each of these as either a trace fossil, a whole body fossil, or a fossil of only one part of an animal or plant.

a

b

c

only one part

Whole body fossil

trace fossil

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is a fossil?

• A type of rock

• The remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock

• A modern animal's skeleton

• A piece of ancient pottery

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DOK Level 1: Recall

This diagram represents the layers of the earth and fossils found in each layer. Based on the drawing, which imprint is the oldest?

• Freshwater clam shells

• Fish bones

• Fern imprints

• Leaf imprints

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What does the diagram tell you about the age of the freshwater clam shells compared to the fish bones?

• Freshwater clam shells are younger fossils than fish bones.

• Fish bones are older fossils than freshwater clam shells.

• Freshwater clam shells and fish bones are similar ages.

• Freshwater clam shells are older fossils than fish bones.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1