Sedimentary Rocks and Fossils

The video tutorial explores the geological history of Desert Rocks National Park, which was once underwater. Students learn to investigate sedimentary rock layers and use simulations to observe rock formation in different environments. The tutorial covers the analysis of rock layers to infer past environments, with a focus on fossiliferous limestone and Mosasaurus fossils. Students are guided to continue their exploration through reading and activities.

What was the environment of Desert Rocks National Park millions of years ago?

• A desert

• An underwater environment

• A mountain range

• A dense forest

What do geologists use to infer the type of environment where rocks formed?

• Sedimentary rock layers

• The size of the rocks

• The weight of the rocks

• The color of the rocks

In the simulation, what type of rock is formed from sand in a beach environment?

• Granite

• Sandstone

• Mudstone

• Limestone

What sediment forms limestone in a shallow ocean environment?

• Calcium carbonate

• Sand

• Silt

• Clay

What is the primary material that makes up fossiliferous limestone?

• Magnesium

• Iron oxide

• Calcium carbonate

• Silica

Where does calcium carbonate, the material forming fossiliferous limestone, typically originate?

• Deep ocean

• Shallow lakes or parts of the ocean

• Mountain streams

• Desert

What type of environment is inferred from the presence of mudstone?

• Beach

• Shallow ocean

• Deep ocean

• Mountain

What feature of the Mosasaurus suggests it was adapted for swimming?

• Its long neck

• Its paddle-shaped limbs

• Its sharp claws

• Its small size

What did the Mosasaurus likely eat based on fossil evidence?

• Fish

• Plants

• Insects

• Turtles and other shelled animals

Based on its size, where is the Mosasaurus most likely to have lived?

• A river

• A deep ocean

• A shallow ocean

• A beach