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8.E.2.1

Total questions: 59

Worksheet time: 1hrs 9mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

The diagram shows fossils and rock features. How does intrusion X compare to the ages of the other rock layers and fossils in this geologic column?

a)

Intrusion X is younger than the broadleaf and fern fossils.

b)

Intrusion X is older than layers Y and Z.

c)

Intrusion X is younger than all the layers.

d)

Intrusion X is older than the clam and broadleaf fossils.

2.

The diagram shows a series of rock layers and fossils. Which is true?

a)

Intrusion X is younger than layers Z and Y.

b)

Layer W is older than intrusion X.

c)

The broadleaf fossil is older than the fern fossil.

d)

The clam fossil is younger than the reptile bone fossil.

3.

The diagram shows fossils and rock features. Which is younger than the clam fossil? (a)  

Choose from the below words
Reptile bone
Layer Z
Broadleaf
Intrusion X
4.

The diagram shows fossils and rock features. Which is younger than the broadleaf fossil? (a)  

Choose from the below words
intrusion X
layer Z
layer Y
fern fossil
5.

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the particles of a wide variety of pre-existing rocks. This makes it likely that the radioactive particles in each layer of sedimentary rock come from rocks of different ages. So, radiometric dating is used differently with sedimentary rock than it is with igneous rock. When dating sedimentary rock, scientists date the layers of volcanic ash above and below a sedimentary layer. Once they know the age of the sandwiching layers, they can estimate the age of the sedimentary layer between them. The table shows information about ash layers above and below a sedimentary rock. Potassium-40 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 1.3 billion years. Argon-40 is its daughter product. Using the principles of absolute and relative dating, which of the following is a possible age of the sedimentary layer?

a)

1.5 billion years old

b)

0.65 billion years old

c)

1.1 billion years old

d)

2.8 billion years old

6.

The diagram shows different layers of sedimentary rock. Each layer is labeled with a letter. Which statement correctly describes the relative ages of the rock layers shown in the diagram?

a)

Layer I is older than Layer B.

b)

The left part of Layer B is younger than the right part.

c)

The left part of Layer F is the same age as Layer M.

d)

Layer R is older than Layer M.

7.

A teacher gave students this diagram of rock layers. The teacher directed the students to determine the relative age of each rock layer based only on the information presented in the diagram. Which method can BEST be used by the students to determine the relative age of these layers? (a)  

Choose from the below words
the law of superposition
radiometric dating
rock type evaluation
principle of uniformitarianism
8.

Use this geologic profile to answer the following question. Which of the following BEST describes the fossil at Point 3 when compared with the fossils at Points 1 and 2?

a)

The fossil at Point 3 is older.

b)

The fossil at Point 3 is less common.

c)

The fossil at Point 3 is smaller.

d)

The fossil at Point 3 is more complex.

9.

Scientists are analyzing a recently unearthed fossil using radiometric dating techniques. Twenty-five percent of the original uranium-235 in the sample has decayed into lead-207. Scientists determine that the fossil is MOST likely from which Paleozoic period? (a)  

Choose from the below words
Permian
Devonian
Silurian
Cambrian
10.

A geologist uncovered a fossil while digging in the side of a hill. He hypothesized that it was MOST likely from the end of the Paleozoic era or the beginning of the Mesozoic era. How old would the fossil have to be dated in order to support his hypothesis?

a)

225 million years old

b)

100 million years old

c)

400 million years old

d)

550 million years old

11.

The geologic map shows several rock formations exposed when a road is cut through a hillside. Which formation in this geological map is youngest?

12.

A section of a rock layer is shown. The evidence in these rock layers BEST supports which conclusion?

a)

The oldest fossils in this section of rock are trilobites.

b)

Eurypterids are related to modern-day scorpions and crabs.

c)

Eurypterids were the least common type of organism in this section of rock.

d)

There is some overlap in the presence of brachiopods and ammonites on Earth.

13.

The graph shows possible changes to sea level over geologic time. What did scientists MOST likely study to construct this graph?

a)

sedimentary layers

b)

molten magma

c)

extrusive igneous rocks

d)

foliated metamorphic rocks

14.

The diagram shows where fossils of two organisms were found in rock layers. Which conclusion does this diagram BEST support?

a)

Organism Y lived before Organism X because Organism Y was found in an older rock layer.

b)

The earthquake that caused the fault most likely killed both organisms because the fossils formed during the time of the earthquake.

c)

The fault formed while Organism X was living and after Organism Y had died because the fault is located between the two fossils.

d)

Both organisms lived at the same time because the fossils they formed were found in rock layers of about the same depth.

15.

The figure shows a wall of the Grand Canyon. The most recent rocks of the Grand Canyon formed during which geologic period? (a)  

Choose from the below words
Permian
Devonian
Cambrian
Precambrian
16.

The rock layers shown were dated using the radioactive decay method. If the layers have been undisturbed, which best represents their arrangement from bottom to top?

a)

X, Y, W, Z

b)

W, X, Y, Z

c)

Z, W, Y, X

d)

Z, Y, X, W

17.

A rock sample is arranged in four undisturbed layers, W, X, Y and Z, as shown in the diagram. Which is most likely true about the layers according to the law of superposition?

a)

W is the youngest rock layer and Z is the oldest rock layer.

b)

W is the oldest rock layer and Z is the youngest rock layer.

c)

X is the youngest rock layer and W is the oldest rock layer.

d)

X is the oldest rock layer and Y is the oldest rock layer.

18.

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element contained in some rocks. Over time, the uranium radioactively decays to the element lead. The ratio of grams of uranium to grams of lead for four rock samples is shown. Assuming no lead was originally present in any of the rock samples, which rock sample is most likely the oldest?

19.

The diagram shows several sedimentary rock layers containing index fossils. Which layer contains the oldest fossils?

a)

Layer 4

b)

Layer 1

c)

Layer 2

d)

Layer 3

20.

Four fossils were discovered and identified according to the rock layer in which each was found. Which is the youngest fossil? (a)  

Choose from the below words
fish
shell
bone
fern leaf
21.

Fossils were discovered in four different sedimentary rock layers as shown. Which best describes the age of the fish relative to the age of the fern and the age of the shell?

a)

The fish is younger than the fern, but older than the shell.

b)

The fish is older than both the fern and the shell.

c)

The fish is younger than both the fern and the shell.

d)

The fish is older than the fern, but younger than the shell.

22.

Scientists have identified four sedimentary rock layers from an archaeological dig as shown. Which is most likely the oldest sedimentary rock layer?

a)

Layer U

b)

Layer R

c)

Layer S

d)

Layer T

23.

The diagram shows a cross-section of several rock layers and geological features. Based on the diagram, which is true?

a)

Layer X is older than layer Y.

b)

Layer U is the oldest.

c)

Layer Z is the youngest.

d)

Layer T is older than layer S.

24.

This diagram shows fossils from different eras of geologic time. Which index fossil would indicate the oldest rock?

a)

Paradoxides pinus

b)

Venericardia planicosta

c)

Nerinea trinodosa

d)

none of these

25.

The diagram shows two sections of rock layers found several miles apart. Based upon the information in the diagram, which conclusion can best be made?

a)

Rock layers containing similar fossils were formed at the same time.

b)

The rock layers contained fossils identical to each other.

c)

Rock layers are laid down from the youngest to the oldest.

26.
A certain fossil (Y) is found in a layer of rock that lies between two index fossils, X and Z. Surprisingly, the older of the index fossils (Z) is found above the other fossils, suggesting that the rock layer has overturned. Which dating method is BEST to confirm the rock layer has overturned by determining the ages of these fossils?
a)
radiometric analysis
b)
anatomical comparison
c)
gene sequencing
d)
fossil depth measurement
27.
A road cut shows a layer of shale on top of a layer of limestone. This indicates
a)
the environment changed between the times of deposition.
b)
the shale layer is older than the limestone layer.
c)
a fault occurred during the deposition of the layers.
d)
volcanic activity occurred when these layers were deposited.
28.
A scientist finds the bones of a dinosaur. What could help the scientist determine the approximate age of the dinosaur bones?
a)
the index fossils in the area of the bones
b)
the birds living in the area of the bones
c)
the weather conditions in the area of the bones
d)
the kinds of trees living in the area of the bones
29.

Carbon 14 has a half life of 5,730 years. If a fossil sample has 25% of the original carbon 14 in it, how old is the fossil? (a)  

Choose from the below words
11,460 years old
5,730 years old
17,190 years old
none of these
30.
Geologists frequently use mass spectrometers in determining the relative age of rocks. A spectrometer can differentiate between the ratios of isotopes in rock samples and calculates the radioactive decay involving what two isotopes?
a)
uranium - lead
b)
rubidium - strontium
c)
potassium - argon
d)
uranium - strontium
31.
Geologists use radiometric dating, the law of superposition, and index fossils to establish the ages of various rock layers in a formation. Why would a geologist use the law of superposition and index fossils to date a rock formation when radiometric dating is available?
a)
Radiometric dating is inaccurate when used on sedimentary rocks.
b)
Calculating ages using index fossils confirms evolutionary sequences.
c)
Radiometric and fossil dating are only effective on organic matter.
d)
The law of superposition gives the most specific dating information.
32.
If a metamorphic rock contains an intrusion of igneous rock, which rock is the oldest?
a)
The metamorphic rock is older.
b)
The igneous rock is older.
c)
The rocks are the same age.
d)
none of these
33.

In what type of rock would a geologist MOST likely find evidence of ancient life? (a)  

Choose from the below words
sedimentary
foliated
metamorphic
volcanic
34.
Radioactive dating is used to study which element in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
a)
uranium
b)
carbon
c)
krypton
d)
none of these
35.

Rock layers were found containing 30 kg of radioactive elements that had a half life of 5 million years. How old were the rock layers if scientists determined that the samples had originally contained 120 kg of the radioactive materials? (a)  

Choose from the below words
10 million years old
5 million years old
15 million years old
none of these
36.
Scientists can use relative dating, absolute dating, or a combination of the two techniques to determine the age of a fossil. Which of the following could be determined using both methods?
a)
which of two fossils is the older
b)
the difference in age between two fossils
c)
a narrow age range for a fossil
d)
the exact age of a fossil
37.
Scientists find dinosaur fossils in the bottom rock layers of a cliff and mammal fossils in the middle rock layer of the cliff. Which could best be concluded from this evidence?
a)
Dinosaurs lived on Earth before the mammals.
b)
Dinosaurs ate plants.
c)
Dinosaurs were eaten by the mammals.
d)
Dinosaurs and mammals lived at the same time.
38.
Several different fossils were found in rock layers in a geologic column. Above these rock layers, the fossils were almost nonexistent. Which most likely explains these observations?
a)
A period of mass extinction occurred.
b)
A nonconformity occurred.
c)
All the organisms migrated.
d)
none of these
39.
Several zircon crystals from Australia have been dated to have an estimated age of 4.2 billion years. Which statement BEST describes the period of formation of these crystals?
a)
They formed at a time shortly after the formation of Earth.
b)
They formed relatively recently in the history of Earth.
c)
They formed at approximately the same time as atmospheric oxygen began increasing.
d)
They formed at approximately the same time as animals first inhabited land environments.
40.
Some of the oldest rock fragments on Earth’s surface are in western Australia. The rock fragments contain zircon crystals which enabled scientists to date the rock. Which claim is MOST likely true about zircon crystals?
a)
They contain uranium.
b)
They contain iron.
c)
They are relatively soft.
d)
They are relatively reactive.
41.
The carbon in all living things includes the common isotope carbon-12 as well as the radioactive isotope carbon-14. When an organism dies, it stops taking in carbon. The carbon-14 it contains breaks down into another element, while the carbon-12 it contains remains constant. Half of the atoms in a sample of carbon-14 decay every 5700 years. Thus, the half-life of carbon-14 is 5700 years. Measurements of a fossilized skull indicate that it has a carbon-14/carbon-12 ratio that is equal to about that of the skulls of present-day animals. Approximately how old is the skull?
a)
17,100 years old
b)
5700 years old
c)
11,400 years old
d)
22,800 years old
42.
The half-life of a radioactive element, such as carbon-14, is the time it takes for half of the atoms of the element to decay. How many half-life periods have passed if a fossil contains of the original amount of carbon-14?
43.
The oldest moon rocks have been dated to a time shortly after the estimated date of the formation of the solar system. Approximately how old are these moon rocks?
a)
4.5 billion years
b)
6.4 billion years
c)
2.8 billion years
d)
1.7 billion years
44.
The radioactive isotope content of a rock can be used to identify which property of the rock?
a)
the amount of time passed since the rock formed
b)
the total mass of the rock
c)
the rate at which the rock formed
d)
the types of fossils that the rock contains
45.

Through relative dating, the age of a rock was determined to be between 15,000 and 25,000 years old. How long should the half life be of the radioactive element used to date the rock layer? (a)  

Choose from the below words
Five thousand years
One million years
Five million years
none of these
46.
To calculate the relative age of rocks, geologists use the rate of radioactive decay of isotopes present in their samples. What is the term used for the original amount of the elemental isotopes being investigated?
a)
parent isotopes
b)
rare earth isotopes
c)
son isotopes
d)
daughter isotopes
47.
What can be concluded about the age of fossils in undisturbed rock layers?
a)
The bottom layer has the oldest fossils.
b)
The top layer has the oldest fossils.
c)
The top layer has the oldest and youngest fossils.
d)
none of these
48.

What can be used to find the exact age of a rock specimen? (a)  

Choose from the below words
radioactive dating
ice cores
index fossils
none of these
49.
What is the best description for how trace fossils are different from fossils of an organism’s remains?
a)
Trace fossils are fossilized tracks and other evidences of an organism’s activity.
b)
Trace fossils are fossilized waste of an animal.
c)
Trace fossils are parts of the original organism.
d)
none of these
50.
What is the best possible explanation for how abrupt changes in rock layers could happen?
a)
impact of a large asteroid
b)
formation of canyons
c)
erosion of a mountain range
d)
none of these
51.
Which describes uranium use for radioactive dating?
a)
Uranium is a mildly radioactive substance that breaks down at a slow and steady pace which cannot be altered by temperature or pressure.
b)
Uranium is a strongly radioactive substance that breaks down at a fast and steady pace which cannot be altered by temperature or pressure.
c)
Uranium is a strongly radioactive substance that breaks down at a fast and unsteady pace which can be altered by temperature or pressure.
d)
none of these
52.
Which discovery provides the BEST evidence of the age of the solar system?
a)
The Apollo 17 mission found moon rocks that have been dated to 4.5 billion years old.
b)
The oldest known rocks on Earth have been dated to 3.8 billion years old.
c)
The volcanic activity that occurs on Earth’s surface has recycled all its rocks at least once since its formation.
d)
The Apollo 11 and the Apollo 12 missions gathered moon rocks similar in age to the oldest-known Earth rocks.
53.

Which is a process that allows scientists to compare rock layers with others in a sequence to determine their age? (a)  

Choose from the below words
relative dating
radiometric dating
absolute dating
none of these
54.
Which material from an archaeological dig is least likely to be studied using the radioactive isotope carbon-14?
a)
granite cutting tool
b)
bone fragment of fish
c)
tooth of a mammal
d)
wooden tool handle
55.

Which method would be BEST for scientists to use to determine the absolute age of a Precambrian igneous rock? (a)  

Choose from the below words
radiometric dating
index fossils
law of superposition
law of original horizontality
56.
Which statement best describes the Law of Superposition?
a)
In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the lowest layers contain the older rocks.
b)
Each sedimentary layer of rock represents 1,000 years of Earth’s age, much like the rings of a tree.
c)
In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the upper rock layers are older than the lower rock layers.
d)
Rocks that form near volcanoes are older than surrounding rock.
57.
Which technique BEST helps scientists determine the age of the solar system?
a)
using radioactive decay to calculate the ages of rocks on Earth and the Moon
b)
creating computer models to predict the formation of rocks on Earth and the Moon
c)
using relative dating techniques on layers of rocks on Earth
d)
comparing fossils found in the oldest rocks on Earth
58.
Which would least likely be an earth process that has influenced the formation of rock layers and fossil formation?
a)
high levels of soil erosion
b)
movement of crustal plates
c)
air masses forming storms
d)
none of these
59.
Why is petrified wood considered to be a fossil?
a)
It was once living matter.
b)
It is composed of hardened wood.
c)
It is made entirely of rock material.
d)
none of these

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