Foss Earth History Investigation

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

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

Which of these provides the BEST evidence that the distribution of Earth’s oceans has changed over time?

• hot spots on ocean floors

• seismic activity along plate boundaries

• sediment buildup on continental slope

• marine fossils found on land masses

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A teacher gave students this diagram of rock layers. The teacher directed the students to determine the relative age of each rock layer based only on the information presented in the diagram.

Which method can BEST be used by the students to determine the relative age of these layers?

• radiometric dating

• rock type evaluation

• the law of superposition

• principle of uniformitarianism

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the best explanation for the location of the fossil?

• This kind of fish was often eaten by land animals.

• This kind of fish had once lived on land.

• The area used to be filled with water.

• The area used to be very cold.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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

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

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Why is a fossil more likely to form from the body of Fish A than from the body of Fish B?

• Soft parts of the fish will decay more quickly in the water.

• Sediments in the water will quickly cover the fish

• Scavengers in the water will eat the remains of the fish.

• Currents in the water will move the fish.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A scientist drew some diagrams of ancestors of elephants based on fossil evidence.

Which is the BEST conclusion that can be made from comparing the diagrams?

• Elephant species have changed over time.

• Ancient elephants were better adapted than modern elephants

• Elephant habitats have remained the same over time.

• Elephant fossil evidence is widespread and complete

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which statement best describes the Law of Superposition?

• Each sedimentary layer of rock represents 1,000 years of Earth’s age, much like the rings of a tree.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the upper rock layers are older than the lower rock layers.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the lowest layers contain the older rocks.

• Rocks that form near volcanoes are older than surrounding rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4