WorksheetsEOG Science 8 - Geologic Time/Evolution
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 8mins
A geologist identifies the identical index fossils in rock layers from two different areas. Which conclusion is best supported by this discovery?
The deposition rate of the two rock layers was identical.
The fossil organism evolved independently in the two separate areas.
The two rock layers were deposited at approximately the same time.
The index fossil will also occur in sediment deposited on top of these rock layers.
Which supports the theory that some mountains were once at the bottom of an ocean?
There are underwater mountains on the ocean floor today.
Freshwater rivers flow to the ocean.
Fossils of marine organisms are found on the tops of some mountains.
Both mountains and ocean floors have similar minerals in their rocks.
Which evidence supports the idea that life on Earth has continually evolved?
evidence from layers of tree rings
evidence from rock layers, fossils, and ice cores
evidence gathered from melting glaciers
evidence that the climate has changed over the past 100 years
Which would most likely increase the genetic variation in a population of organisms?
increase in diseases
decrease in diseases
increase in mutations
decrease in mutations
Which is the most accurate method scientists use to predict the age of Earth?
relative dating of rock layers
radioactive dating of rocks
comparing the ages of different fossils
investigating core samples from the Arctic
Which is the best reason for scientists to study ice cores obtained from Earth’s ice caps?
to evaluate potential oil drilling sites
to study the quality of water stored in glaciers
to determine the rate of melting in polar regions
to study past climates by analyzing trapped gases and particles
Which is the best evidence for evolution?
new rock layers containing fossils of simple organisms
new rock layers containing fossils unlike existing organisms
old rock layers containing fossils unlike existing organisms
old rock layers containing fossils of complex organisms
Which best explains why mammals became dominant after the mass extinction of the dinosaurs?
They had traits that helped them adapt to environmental changes.
They were larger than dinosaurs and ate different foods.
They lived in different areas on Earth than dinosaurs.
They were able to hibernate for thousands of years.
Which demonstrates how genetic variation may result from a change in the environment where an animal lives?
A salmon swims faster as it enters colder waters.
A snake increases its body temperature because it moves on top of a rock in direct sunlight.
A beetle stands out to predators because it moves among plants that have colors different than its own.
An arctic fox changes its color over time because it migrates to an area with a different climate.
Which is the most accurate way of determining the age of a fossil?
radioactive dating
relative dating
dating index fossils
dating the rock layers above the fossil
Which allows scientists to investigate what Earth’s climate was like over the past 740,000 years?
volcanic deposits
fossils
faults
ice cores
Which best describes uniformitarianism?
The time it takes for erosion to occur has changed since Earth first formed.
The movement of the continents no longer occurs because of changes in ocean currents.
The processes that shape the Earth continue as they have since the Earth formed.
The formation of rock layers has slowed because humans have altered the environment.
If a bat, an alligator, and a bird evolved from a common ancestor, what most likely can be concluded?
They have similar anatomical structures.
They live in the same part of the world.
They are in the same biological classification.
They are able to survive changes in their environments.
Recent changes in species can be found in the upper layers of rock. This provides a link between which two scientific ideas?
cell theory and the theory of evolution
the periodic nature of the elements and cell theory
the theory of evolution and the Law of Superposition
the Law of Superposition and the periodic nature of the elements
Which of these would most likely happen to a species that is not able to adapt to a changing environment?
The species would become extinct over time.
The species would develop mutated cells.
The species would develop resistance to disease.
The species would change the environment.
