Evidence of Evolution Review

What is a fossil?

• A type of mineral

• A living organism

• Remains of organisms preserved in the earth

• A type of rock

Answer explanation

A fossil is defined as the remains of organisms preserved in the earth, which can include bones, shells, and imprints. This distinguishes it from minerals, living organisms, or types of rock.

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What does the fossil record represent?

• The age of the earth

• Total number of fossils discovered

• A type of fossil

• A method of dating fossils

Answer explanation

The fossil record represents the total number of fossils discovered, providing insight into the history of life on Earth and the diversity of organisms that existed at different times.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is the geologic time scale?

• A tool for measuring earthquakes

• A method for dating rocks

• A scale for measuring fossil size

• A system of chronological measurement of Earth's history

Answer explanation

The geologic time scale is a system of chronological measurement that organizes Earth's history into different time intervals, helping to understand the timing and relationships of events in Earth's past.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is evolution?

• The extinction of species

• The study of fossils

• The creation of new species

• The process through which species change over time

Answer explanation

Evolution is defined as the process through which species change over time, leading to adaptations and the emergence of new species. This choice accurately captures the essence of evolution compared to the other options.

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According to the law of superposition, where are older fossils found?

• In volcanic rock

• In the deeper layers of sedimentary rock

• In igneous rock

• In the upper layers of sedimentary rock

Answer explanation

According to the law of superposition, in sedimentary rock layers, older fossils are found in the deeper layers, while younger fossils are located in the upper layers. Therefore, the correct answer is 'In the deeper layers of sedimentary rock'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is a common ancestor?

• An ancestor that two or more descendants have in common

• A modern species

• A type of fossil

• A species that has gone extinct

Answer explanation

A common ancestor is defined as an ancestor that two or more descendants share. This concept is crucial in understanding evolutionary relationships, distinguishing it from modern species, fossils, or extinct species.

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What is relative dating?

• A method to find the exact age of a fossil

• Estimation of fossil age based on rock layer comparison

• A method to date volcanic rocks

• A method to date igneous rocks

Answer explanation

Relative dating is the estimation of a fossil's age by comparing the rock layers in which it is found. This method does not provide an exact age but helps establish a sequence of events in geological history.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is radioactive dating?

• A method to date fossils using their size

• A method to date sedimentary rocks

• A method to find the exact age of a fossil

• A method to estimate fossil age

Answer explanation

Radioactive dating is a method used to find the exact age of a fossil by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes within it, providing precise age estimates.

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What do fossils provide evidence of?

• The age of the earth

• Common ancestry and evolution

• The size of ancient organisms

• The color of ancient organisms

Answer explanation

Fossils provide evidence of common ancestry and evolution by showing how species have changed over time and how different organisms are related through shared characteristics.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What are vestigial structures?

• Structures that are only found in fossils

• Structures that are used for flying

• Structures that are fully developed in later species

• Physical structures reduced and unused in later species

Answer explanation

Vestigial structures are physical structures that have diminished in size and function over time in later species, indicating evolutionary changes. The correct choice highlights this concept accurately.

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