WorksheetsGeologic Time
Total questions: 8
Worksheet time: 7mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
The oldest rock formation identified on Earth is found on the shoreline of Hudson Bay in Canada. This rock formed almost 4.28 billion years ago. What information does a scientist need to most accurately determine the age of a rock?
a)
The thickness of younger layers that cover the rock.
b)
The percentage of each mineral that makes up the rock.
c)
The amount of each radioactive element present in the rock.
d)
The type of weathering that caused the breakdown of the rock.
2.
During _____________________, atoms of an unstable element breakdown to form atoms of another element.
a)
nuclear fission
b)
explosions
c)
radioactive decay
d)
relative dating
3.
Fossilized tropical plants are often found in the coal deposits in the mountains of Pennsylvania.These fossils are about 300 million years old. Which of the following best describes what Pennsylvania was like when these plants were alive?
a)
Pennsylvania was at the bottom of the ocean.
b)
Pennsylvania was located closer to the equator.
c)
Pennsylvania was exposed to massive glaciers.
d)
Pennsylvania was moving towards the north pole.
4.
The Law of Superposition helps scientists determine the relative age of rocks. Based on the Law of Superposition, which layer is the oldest?
a)
A
b)
D
c)
C
d)
B
5.
Which of the following methods is most likely used to determine the absolute age of animal bones that are less than 45,000 years old?
a)
Radiocarbon dating
b)
Potassium-argon dating
c)
Uranium-lead dating
d)
Relative dating
6.
Index fossils are used to date rock strata that would otherwise be very difficult to date. Which of these statements describes a key characteristic of index fossils?
a)
They existed in a unique location and time in history.
b)
They are present in very small numbers.
c)
They existed for a very short span of time.
d)
They are similar to other fossils.
7.
Which of the following is NOT evidence for the Theory of Evolution?
a)
Homologous structures
b)
Similar embryo development
c)
Similar genetic material
d)
Missing intermediate species' fossils
8.
A gap in the geologic record formed when sedimentary rocks cover an erosion surface called an(n):
a)
Intrusion
b)
Unconformity
c)
Fault
d)
Extrusion
100 %
