Fossils in Sedimentary Layers

Fossils are found in which of the following?

• Seashells

• Sedimentary rock

• Metamorphic rock

• Igneous rock

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Why do scientists study fossils?

• Fossils help predict climate changes.

• Fossils help keep species from becoming extinct.

• Fossils help understand about past organisms and their environment.

• Fossils help understand what to expect in the future.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is a fossil?

• an organism’s remains from the future

• a person who studies bones

• the traces or remains of ancient organisms preserved in rock

• rock that is formed in layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A scientist finds the fossil of a sea creature on top of a mountain range. What is the best conclusion the scientist can draw?

• The sea creature used to live on land.

• The mountain was built up from deposition after the sea creature died.

• The fossil was placed there by someone else.

• The land was probably once covered with water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A paleontologist discovers a fossil in layer D. She keeps digging and finds a second fossil in layer C. What can she infer about the fossils?

• The fossil found in layer D is the oldest fossil she can possibly find in these rocks.

• The fossil found in layer C is the oldest fossil she can possibly find in these rocks.

• The fossil found in layer D is older than the fossil found in layer C.

• The fossil found in layer C is older than the fossil found in layer D.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A rock that forms when layers of materials and rocks settle on top of one another and harden is most likely a(n) rock.

• sedimentary
• pumice

• metamorphic

• igneous

Scientists use rock layers to determine the relative age of fossils. The oldest fossils are found in

• layers of limestone rock

• the deepest rock layers

• rock layers inside of caves

• rock layers nearest the surface

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

How long is the formation process of a fossil?

• hundreds of years

• a couple of days

• thousands of years

• millions of years

What are sediments?

• weathered rock or debris

• tiny pieces of paper

• pieces of glass

• pieces of wood

Scientists use rock layers to determine the relative age of fossils. The youngest fossils are found in

• layers of limestone rock.

• the deepest rock layers.

• rock layers inside of caves.

• rock layers nearest the surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4