Unit 6: Clues to Earth's Past Unit Test Review

Which of the following statements accurately describes how absolute age differs from relative age?

• Absolute age is the age of a rock or fossil compared to other rocks or fossils, while relative age is the exact number of years since the rock or fossil formed.

• Absolute age is the exact number of years since a rock or fossil formed, while relative age is the age of a rock or fossil compared to others.

• Absolute age refers to the appearance of a rock or fossil, while relative age refers to its location.

• Absolute age and relative age are the same and can be used interchangeably.

The Earth is estimated to be how old?

• 4.5 billion years old

• 4.5 million years old

• 6,000 years old

• 2,000 years

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following statements correctly describes the Law of Superposition?

• The oldest layers of rock are found at the top, while the youngest layers are at the bottom.

• Layers of rock do not change over time.

• The youngest layers of rock are found at the top, while the oldest layers are at the bottom.

• All layers of rock are the same age, regardless of their position.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What do scientists do to find the absolute age of rocks?

• They analyze the layout and colors of rock layers.

• They analyze the percentage of radioactive material in the rocks.

• They count the number of rock layers.

• They compare the rock’s age to the age of nearby fossils.

If a scientist wants to correctly identify the relative age of a layer of sediment, which of the following is the best method to use?

• Measure the temperature of the sediment

• Compare the sediment layer to others above and below it

• Use radiometric dating to measure the age of the sediment

• Look for signs of erosion on the sediment surface

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What type of rock do fossils form in?

• Classic

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary

• Igneous

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of the following statements accurately describes a key characteristic of an index fossil?

• An index fossil is found in only one specific layer of rock around the world.

• An index fossil must be found in all rock layers in a particular region.

• An index fossil is used to help determine the relative age of rock layers and fossils.

• An index fossil can only be used to date fossils from the same species.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which approach is primarily used by geologists to explain the formation of Earth’s layers?

• Observing the stars

• Performing chemical reactions

• Studying rock samples

• Conducting animal behavior studies

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

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In biology, what method is typically used to understand the relationship between two species in an ecosystem?

• Conducting field observations

• Calculating chemical equations

• Studying distant galaxies

• Testing physical properties of minerals

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

In the field of chemistry, how do scientists generally develop explanations for chemical reactions?

• By conducting controlled experiments

• By analyzing literature

• By collecting historical data

• By observing wildlife

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NGSS.MS-PS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

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