E-2

The half-life of a radioactive element, such as carbon-14, is the time it takes for half of the atoms of the element to decay. How many half-life periods have passed if a fossil contains 1/32 of the original amount of carbon-14?

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

Which discovery provides the BEST evidence of the age of the solar system?

• The oldest known rocks on Earth have been dated to 3.8 billion years old

• The Apollo 17 mission found moon rocks that have been dated to 4.5 billion years old.

• The volcanic activity that occurs on Earth’s surface has recycled all its rocks at least once since its formation.

• The Apollo 11 and the Apollo 12 missions gathered moon rocks similar in age to the oldest-known Earth rocks.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

The diagram shows a cross-section of several rock layers and geological features. Based on the diagram, which is true?

• Layer U is the oldest

• Layer Z is the youngest

• Layer T is older than layer S

• Layer X is older than layer y

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Scientists have identified four sedimentary rock layers from an archaeological dig as shown above. Which is most likely the oldest sedimentary rock layer?

• Layer R

• Layer S

• Layer T

• Layer U

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Some of the oldest rock fragments on Earth’s surface are in western Australia. The rock fragments contain zircon crystals which enabled scientists to date the rock. Which claim is MOST likely true about zircon crystals?

• They contain iron

• The contain uranium

• They are relatively soft

• They are relatively reactive

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

A geologist uncovered a fossil while digging in the side of a hill. He hypothesized that it was MOST likely from the end of the Paleozoic era or the beginning of the Mesozoic era. How old would the fossil have to be dated in order to support his hypothesis?

• 100 million years old

• 225 million years old

• 400 million years old

• 550 million years old

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

In what type of rock would a geologist MOST likely find evidence of ancient life?

• sedimentary

• foliated

• metamorphic

• volcanic

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The figure below shows a wall of the Grand Canyon. The most recent rocks of the Grand Canyon formed during which geologic period?

• Permian

• Devonian

• Cambrian

• Precambrian

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The geologic map below shows several rock formations exposed when a road is cut through a hillside. Which formation in this geological map is youngest?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which is a process that allows scientists to compare rock layers with others in a sequence to determine their age?

• radiometric dating

• absolute dating

• relative dating

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4