Index Fossils

To be considered an index fossil, it had to have lived for a relatively short period of time.

• True
• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

An organism that no longer exists on Earth is called

• Decayed
• Evolved
• Extinct
• Preserved

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

_{Which rock layer contains the newest fossils?}

• F
• E
• B
• C

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

According to the law of superposition, the oldest fossils are found 

• At the top of the rock layers
• Near the bottom of the rock layers
• In the middle of the rock layers
• Somewhat near the surface

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The best index fossils have which two traits?

• widespread geographically, long lifespan
• widespread geographically, short lifespan
• specific place, long lifespan
• specific place, short lifespan

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Examine the image here. Hint: Use the slides to get a better view. Which organism appeared last?

• Gastropod

• Trilobite

• Crinoid

• Fern

• Ammonite

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which fossil makes the best index fossil?

• Fossil 1
• Fossil 2
• Fossil 3
• None follow all of the rules

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Index fossils CAN tell us the age of a rock layer.

• True
• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the best reason that fossil #4 is NOT a good index fossil?

• It is not widespread

• it is not short-lived (in numerous layers)

• It is in half of the outcrops

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

According to the characteristics that make up a good index fossil which of the following would be the best index fossil in the diagram provided? *

• Gastropod

• Trilobite

• Fern

• Ammonite

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2