LS4

Three sedimentary layers were exposed in a rock quarry. The sandstone layer at the bottom contained fossils of three different types of dinosaurs. The layer above it contained mainly volcanic ash. The top layer of shale contained fossils of only one type of dinosaur.Which of the following interpretations of this fossil record is the most logical?

• A volcanic eruption caused the extinction of two dinosaur species. Only smaller variants of the third species survived but this variant prospered in the post-volcano environment.

• Excessive predatation by carnivores caused the population of herbivores to crash which resulted in extinction of two species of dinosaurs.

• This sedimentary rock displays tectonic uplift which formed a shallow ocean resulting in the extinction of two out of three dinosaur species.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which best explains why species living in Australia are found nowhere else on Earth?

• Australia has an ecosystem different from any other area on Earth.

• Humans have genetically altered many Australian species in laboratories.

• Australian species were genetically altered after a comet hit the landmass.

• Australia separated from other continents and species there evolved independently.

Two organisms have homologous structures. Which can most likely be concluded about the two organisms?

• They are unrelated.

• They are the same organism.

• They share a common ancestor.

• They evolved in a similar environment.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Throughout fossil records, many species appearing in lower layers of rock disappear in higher layers of rock. Which best explains their disappearance?

• The species became extinct.

• The species moved to another geographic location.

• The fossil remains were disrupted by an earthquake.

• Environmental conditions were not suitable for fossil formation.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Some scientists think that all life evolved from a common ancestor. Which provides evidence that this may be true?

• analogous structures of organisms

• homologous structures of organisms

• extinction of many varieties of plant species

• existence of many varieties of bacteria species

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Which best supports the idea of continental drift?

• Coastlines are constantly changing shape due to erosion.

• Earthquakes are frequently felt in many regions of the world.

• Glaciers currently exist in areas considered too warm for glaciers to form.

• Fossilized remains of the same plants and animals are found on different continents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A new type of plant was discovered on a newly-formed volcanic island. The island is hundreds of miles away from the mainland. Which hypothesis best explains how the plant arrived?

• It spontaneously generated.

• It was carried there by humans.

• It was carried there by wind or waves.

• It was already present in volcanic materials.

Which would provide evidence of lithospheric plate movement over time?

• fossils of tropical plants found near the equator

• fossils of tropical fish found in a warm climate area

• fossils of tropical plants found in a cold climate area

• fossils of tropical fish found at the bottom of an ocean

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Based on the fossil record, which organisms were most likely to have existed first?

• plants

• insects

• jellyfish

• bacteria

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which best describes the similar function of wings in birds and butterflies?

• embryological structures

• homologous structures

• analogous structures

• vestigial structures

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2