Eras of Earth's History

A fossil discovered in Colorado dates from the early Mesozoic era. A year later a similar fossil is found in Wyoming that also dates from the early Mesozoic era. These two organisms most likely lived in

• the same environment at about the same time.

• the same environment at different times.

• different environments at about the same time.

• different environments at different times.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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

Scientists estimate that if index fossils were deposited during a certain time frame, then the entire rock layer was also deposited at the same time.

A scientist finds Trophite fossils. According to the chart above, in what era and period was this rock layer deposited?

• Cenozoic era; Tertiary period

• Mesozoic era; Triassic period

• Paleozoic era; Permian period

• Paleozoic era; Mississippian period

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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

90% of Earth’s history occurred during which era?

• Precambrian

• Paleozoic

• Mesozoic

• Cenozoic

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

During which era did the Earth spend the majority of its age?

• Precambrian

• Paleozoic

• Mesozoic

• Cenozoic

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

90% of Earth’s history occurred during which time?

• Precambrian

• Paleozoic

• Mesozoic

• Cenozoic

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

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-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-ESS2-3