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Worksheets8.E.2.1 Review Questions
Total questions: 164
Worksheet time: 3hrs 53mins
If a metamorphic rock contains an intrusion of igneous rock, which rock is the oldest?
The igneous rock is older.
The rocks are the same age.
The metamorphic rock is older.
Which is a process that allows scientists to compare rock layers with others in a sequence to determine their age?
radiometric dating
absolute dating
relative dating
The diagram shows a cross-section of several rock layers and geological features. Based on the diagram, which is true?
Layer U is the oldest
Layer Z is the youngest
Layer T is older than layer S
Layer X is older than layer y
Scientists have identified four sedimentary rock layers from an archaeological dig as shown above. Which is most likely the oldest sedimentary rock layer?
Layer R
Layer S
Layer T
Layer U
A scientist finds the bones of a dinosaur. What could help the scientist determine the approximate age of the dinosaur bones?
the birds living in the area of the bones
the weather conditions in the area of the bones
the kinds of trees living in the area of the bones
the index fossils in the area of the bones
Which statement best describes the Law of Superposition?
Each sedimentary layer of rock represents 1,000 years of Earth’s age, much like the rings of a tree.
In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the upper rock layers are older than the lower rock layers.
In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the lowest layers contain the older rocks.
Rocks that form near volcanoes are older than surrounding rock.
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?
Dinosaurs ate plantes
Dinosaurs were eaten by the mammals
Dinosaurs lived on Earth before the mammals
Dinosaurs and mammals lived at the same time
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 1/32 of the original amount of carbon-14?
3
4
5
6
The radioactive isotope content of a rock can be used to identify which property of the rock?
the total mass of the rock
the rate at which the rock is formed
the type of fossils that the rock contains
the amount of time passed since the rock formed
Which method would be BEST for scientists to use to determine the absolute age of a Precambrian igneous rock?
index fossils
law of superposition
radiometric dating
law of original horizontality
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?
They contain iron
The contain uranium
They are relatively soft
They are relatively reactive
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?
100 million years old
225 million years old
400 million years old
550 million years old
Which technique BEST helps scientists determine the age of the solar system?
creating computer models to predict the formation of rocks on Earth and the Moon
using radioactive decay to calculate the ages of rocks on Earth and the Moon
using relative dating techniques on layers of rocks on Earth
comparing fossils found in the oldest rocks on Earth
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?
6.5 billion years old
4.5 billion years old
2.8 billion years old
1.7 billion years old
In what type of rock would a geologist MOST likely find evidence of ancient life?
sedimentary
foliated
metamorphic
volcanic
The figure below shows a wall of the Grand Canyon. The most recent rocks of the Grand Canyon formed during which geologic period?
Permian
Devonian
Cambrian
Precambrian
The graph shows possible changes to sea level over geologic time. What did scientists MOST likely study to construct this graph?
molten magma
extrusive igneous rock
sedimentary layers
foliated metamorphic rocks
Approximately how old is the Earth?
1.8 billion years old
4.6 billion years old
6.8 billion years old
10 billion years old
The geologic map below shows several rock formations exposed when a road is cut through a hillside. Which formation in this geological map is youngest?
1
2
3
4
Which discovery provides the BEST evidence of the age of the solar system?
The oldest known rocks on Earth have been dated to 3.8 billion years old
The Apollo 17 mission found moon rocks that have been dated to 4.5 billion years old.
The volcanic activity that occurs on Earth’s surface has recycled all its rocks at least once since its formation.
The Apollo 11 and the Apollo 12 missions gathered moon rocks similar in age to the oldest-known Earth rocks.
Paleontologist come across an old reptile fossil. What could help scientist approximate the age of this fossil
Scraping carbon and running a DNA analysis
Using trace fossils to compare it too
Using Index fossils found in similar locations
Radiometric dating
A type of rock created when deposits of minerals and animal remains have collected over time.
Metamorphic rock
Sedimentary Rock
Igneous Rock
Limestone
If you found an index fossil in a layer of rock in Montana and a similar fossil in a layer of rock in Texas, you would know that:
the fossils and rock layers are the same age
the fossils from Montana are older
the fossils from England are older
none of the above
Which of the following can be learned by using the fossil record?
When organisms changed or evolved
when organisms appeared on Earth
when organisms became extinct
All the above
Relative dating gives me:
Exact age
Tells me if something is younger or older than something else
Is only used to determine the age of fossils from 1 million years ago
The Law of Superposition states:
Oldest is on the top layer, youngest is on the bottom
Oldest in the middle layers, youngest is on the bottom
Oldest is on the bottom layer, youngest is on the top
All of the rock layers are the same age
Is the bone fossil older or younger than the intrusion?
older
younger
Is the intrusion (letter F) older or younger than the surrounding layers?
older
younger
Which letter represents an intrusion?
A
B
E
D
Index fossils help us determine the age of something. They are used because: (THERE ARE TWO ANSWERS)
They lived for a short period of time
They are widely distributed
They lived for a long period of time
They lived in only one area
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?
Dinosaurs ate plantes
Dinosaurs were eaten by the mammals
Dinosaurs lived on Earth before the mammals
Dinosaurs and mammals lived at the same time
True or False: intrusions are located above the ground
True
False
Which of the following is defined as the breakdown of a radioactive element releasing particles and energy
Radiometric Dating
Half LIfe
Law of Superpostion
Radioactive Decay
Which term is defined as the age of a rock given as the number of years since the rock formed?
Relative Age
Geology
Absolute Age
Law of Superposition
When scientists are trying to compare things to see which geological artifacts are older or younger rather than find the actual age of something, this is called ____________.
Relative aging
Geologica aging
approximate aging
absolute aging
Scientific study of rock layers
Archeology
Stratigraphy
Paleontology
Geology
What scientific law tells us that in rock strata, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at top?
Cross-cutting
Original Horizontality
Superposition
Unconformities
Fossils such as footprints, burrows or droppings.
Index Fossils
Unconformities
Petrified Wood
Trace fossils
A gap in the sequence of sedimentary rock layers caused by erosion.
Inclusion
Unconformity
Cross-cutting
Isotope
Fossils made from organisms that were fairly common and existed only during a certain span of time, used to determine the age of rock layers.
Index Fossils
Unconformities
Inclusions
Trace Fossils
What scientific law tells us that if one rock layer contains pieces or fragments of another rock layer, then the fragments will be older than the rock layer that surrounds it.
Cross-cutting
Original Horizontality
Unconformities
Inclusions
When determining absolute age, what is the term used for the amount of time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample of a radioactive element to decay into atoms of another element.
Half-life
Radioactive decay
Radiometric dating
Decomposition rate
When scientists used half-life, radiometric dating or carbon dating, what are they trying to determine about geological artifact?
Relative age
Sequential age
Approximate age
Absolute age
What scientific law tells us that if one rock layer crosses over other layers, then that layer of rock will be younger than any rock layers that it crosses?
Cross-cutting
Original Horizontality
Unconformities
Inclusions
List from youngest to oldest
ECADB
CABED
BADCE
BDACE
In this diagram, what scientific law tells us that rock layer E is older than rock layer C?
Cross-cutting
Superposition
Inclusions
Unconformities
In this diagram, what scientific law tells us that rock layer C is older than rock layer A?
Cross-cutting
Inclusions
Superposition
Unconformities
In the diagram, what scientific law tells us that rock layer D is older than rock layer B?
Cross-cutting
Inclusions
Superposition
Unconformities
List from youngest to oldest
BAECD
DCEAB
CEABD
ACEDB
In the diagram, what does letter D represent?
A rock layer
An earthquake
An unconformity
An inclusion
C,D,E,A,B
What is the Law of Superposition?
All principle that states that rock layers were formed as horizontal layers
A gap in rock layers due to erosion of a weak layer of rock
A principle that states that an intrusive layer of igneous rock will always be younger than the rock it cuts through.
A principle that states that the deeper a rock is, the older it is unless it has been disturbed or altered.
What is the Law of Original Horizontality?
All principle that states that rock layers were formed as flat layers
A gap in rock layers due to erosion of a weak layer of rock
A principle that states that an intrusive layer of igneous rock will always be younger than the rock it cuts through.
A principle that states that the deeper a rock is, the older it is unless it has been disturbed or altered.
What is the Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships?
All principle that states that rock layers were formed as flat layers
A gap in rock layers due to erosion of a weak layer of rock
A principle that states that an intrusive layer of igneous rock will always be younger than the rock it cuts through.
A principle that states that the deeper a rock is, the older it is unless it has been disturbed or altered.
What is Relative Age Dating?
The dating of rocks in how they compare to the rocks that are around them.
The use of fossils to help find the age of a rock.
The use of radioactive elements in rock to find a highly accurate estimate of the age of the rock.
Dating of a rock layer based on how far it is from Earth's core.
Which layer is the oldest?
E
A
B
C
D
Of the choices provided, which layer is the youngest?
D
A
B
C
What scientific law tells us that if one rock layer contains pieces or fragments of another rock layer, then the fragments will be older than the rock layer that surrounds it.
Cross-cutting
Original Horizontality
Unconformities
Inclusions
List from youngest to oldest
ECADBF
ECAFBD
FBDAEC
DBFACE
In this diagram, what scientific law tells us that rock layer E is older than rock layer C?
Cross-cutting
Superposition
Inclusions
Unconformities
In this diagram, what scientific law tells us that rock layer C is older than rock layer A?
Cross-cutting
Inclusions
Superposition
Unconformities
In the diagram, what scientific law tells us that rock layer F is older than rock layer B?
Cross-cutting
Inclusions
Superposition
Unconformities
List from youngest to oldest
BAECD
DCEAB
CEABD
ACEDB
In the diagram, what does letter E represent?
A rock layer
An cross-cutting intrusion
An unconformity
An inclusion
A,B,D,E,C
C,E,D,B,A
C,E,D,A,B
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?
Intrusion X is younger than the broadleaf and fern fossils.
Intrusion X is older than layers Y and Z.
Intrusion X is younger than all the layers.
Intrusion X is older than the clam and broadleaf fossils.
The diagram shows a series of rock layers and fossils. Which is true?
Intrusion X is younger than layers Z and Y.
Layer W is older than intrusion X.
The broadleaf fossil is older than the fern fossil.
The clam fossil is younger than the reptile bone fossil.
The diagram shows fossils and rock features. Which is younger than the clam fossil? (a)
The diagram shows fossils and rock features. Which is younger than the broadleaf fossil? (a)
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?
1.5 billion years old
0.65 billion years old
1.1 billion years old
2.8 billion years old
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?
Layer I is older than Layer B.
The left part of Layer B is younger than the right part.
The left part of Layer F is the same age as Layer M.
Layer R is older than Layer M.
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)
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?
The fossil at Point 3 is older.
The fossil at Point 3 is less common.
The fossil at Point 3 is smaller.
The fossil at Point 3 is more complex.
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)
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?
225 million years old
100 million years old
400 million years old
550 million years old
The geologic map shows several rock formations exposed when a road is cut through a hillside. Which formation in this geological map is youngest?
A section of a rock layer is shown. The evidence in these rock layers BEST supports which conclusion?
The oldest fossils in this section of rock are trilobites.
Eurypterids are related to modern-day scorpions and crabs.
Eurypterids were the least common type of organism in this section of rock.
There is some overlap in the presence of brachiopods and ammonites on Earth.
The graph shows possible changes to sea level over geologic time. What did scientists MOST likely study to construct this graph?
sedimentary layers
molten magma
extrusive igneous rocks
foliated metamorphic rocks
The diagram shows where fossils of two organisms were found in rock layers. Which conclusion does this diagram BEST support?
Organism Y lived before Organism X because Organism Y was found in an older rock layer.
The earthquake that caused the fault most likely killed both organisms because the fossils formed during the time of the earthquake.
The fault formed while Organism X was living and after Organism Y had died because the fault is located between the two fossils.
Both organisms lived at the same time because the fossils they formed were found in rock layers of about the same depth.
The figure shows a wall of the Grand Canyon. The most recent rocks of the Grand Canyon formed during which geologic period? (a)
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?
X, Y, W, Z
W, X, Y, Z
Z, W, Y, X
Z, Y, X, W
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?
W is the youngest rock layer and Z is the oldest rock layer.
W is the oldest rock layer and Z is the youngest rock layer.
X is the youngest rock layer and W is the oldest rock layer.
X is the oldest rock layer and Y is the oldest rock layer.
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?
The diagram shows several sedimentary rock layers containing index fossils. Which layer contains the oldest fossils?
Layer 4
Layer 1
Layer 2
Layer 3
Four fossils were discovered and identified according to the rock layer in which each was found. Which is the youngest fossil? (a)
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?
The fish is younger than the fern, but older than the shell.
The fish is older than both the fern and the shell.
The fish is younger than both the fern and the shell.
The fish is older than the fern, but younger than the shell.
Scientists have identified four sedimentary rock layers from an archaeological dig as shown. Which is most likely the oldest sedimentary rock layer?
Layer U
Layer R
Layer S
Layer T
The diagram shows a cross-section of several rock layers and geological features. Based on the diagram, which is true?
Layer X is older than layer Y.
Layer U is the oldest.
Layer Z is the youngest.
Layer T is older than layer S.
This diagram shows fossils from different eras of geologic time. Which index fossil would indicate the oldest rock?
Paradoxides pinus
Venericardia planicosta
Nerinea trinodosa
none of these
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?
Rock layers containing similar fossils were formed at the same time.
The rock layers contained fossils identical to each other.
Rock layers are laid down from the youngest to the oldest.
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)
In what type of rock would a geologist MOST likely find evidence of ancient life? (a)
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)
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)
What can be used to find the exact age of a rock specimen? (a)
Which is a process that allows scientists to compare rock layers with others in a sequence to determine their age? (a)
Which method would be BEST for scientists to use to determine the absolute age of a Precambrian igneous rock? (a)
What is a fossil?
any dead organism
the preserved remains or traces of an organism
a perfect copy of a rock
Casts are
the remains of broken dinosaur bones
molds that have been filled by another type of rock over time
the hollow remains of animal burrows
In petrified wood, the original wood has been slowly replaced by
another type of harder wood
preserving salts
minerals
Fossils are
only dinosaur bones and fern impressions made in rock.
the carbonized remains of animals that were killed by an asteroid 20,000 years ago.
direct evidence of organisms that lived more than 10,000 years ago.
Scientists who study fossils are
fossilologist
paleontologist
reptologist
dinosaurologist
In what type of rock would a geologist MOST LIKELY find evidence of ancient life?
sedimentary
foliated
metamorphic
igneous
Which type of fossil can provide clues about the activities of ancient organisms?
molds and cast
trace fossils
carbon films
A fossil formed when minerals replace all or part of an organism is called
mold
cast
petrified
Examples of imprints are
drawings on rock made by prehistoric men
frozen remains of elephant-like mammoths
footprints and animal tracks
The unaltered remains of fossilized animals include
petrified wood
carbon imprints of ferns
mummified and frozen remains
The most recent rocks of the grand canyon formed during which geologic period?
Permian
Devonian
Cambrian
Precambrian
Which formation in this geological map is youngest?
1
2
3
4
Which discovery provides the BEST evidence of the age of the solar system?
The oldest known rocks on Earth have been dated to 3.8 billion years old.
The Apollo 17 mission found moon rocks that have been dated to 4.5 billion years The volcanic activity that occurs on Earth’s surface has recycled all its rocks at least
C. once since its formation.
D. oldest-known Earth rocks.
Which technique BEST helps scientists determine the age of the solar system?
creating computer models to predict the formation of rocks on Earth and the Moon
using radioactive decay to calculate the ages of rocks on Earth and the Moon
using relative dating techniques on layers of rocks on Earth
comparing fossils found in the oldest rocks on Earth
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?
anatomical comparison
gene sequencing
radiometric analysis
fossil depth measurement
The evidence in these rock layers BEST supports which conclusion?
The oldest fossils in this section of rock are trilobites.
Eurypterids are related to modern-day scorpions and crabs.
Eurypterids were the least common type of organism in this section of rock.
There is some overlap in the presence of brachiopods and ammonites on Earth.
Which statement correctly describes the relative ages of the rock layers shown in the diagram?
The left part of Layer B is younger than the right part.
The left part of Layer F is the same age as Layer M.
Layer R is older than Layer M.
Layer I is older than Layer B.
Which method would be BEST for scientists to use to determine the absolute age of a Precambrian igneous rock?
Radiometric dating
Index fossils
Law of superposition
Law of original horizontality
How old would the fossil have to be dated in order to support his hypothesis?
225 million years old
100 million years old
400 million years old
550 million years old
How does intrusion X compare to the ages of the other rock layers and fossils in this geologic column?
Intrusion X is younger than the broadleaf and fern fossils.
Intrusion X is older than layers Y and Z.
Intrusion X is younger than all the layers.
Intrusion X is older than the clam and broadleaf fossils.
The broadleaf fossil is older than the fern fossil.
The clam fossil is younger than the reptile bone fossil.
Layer W is older than intrusion X.
Intrusion X is younger than layers Z and Y.
Which is younger than the clam fossil?
Intrusion X
Reptile bone
Layer Z
Broadleaf
Which is younger than the broadleaf fossil?
Layer Y
Layer Z
Intrusion X
Fern fossil
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?
the exact age of a fossil
which of the two fossils is older
a narrow age range for a fossil
the difference in age between two fossils
Which method can BEST be used by the students to determine the relative age of these layers?
principle of uniformitarianism
the law of superposition
rock type evaluation
radiometric dating
Which of the following BEST describes the fossil at Point 3 when compared with the fossils at Points 1 and 2?
The fossil at Point 3 is smaller.
The fossil at Point
3 is less common.
The fossil at Point 3 is more complex.
The fossil at Point 3 is older.
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 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.
The fossil organism evolved independently in the two separate areas.
Which supports the theory that some mountains were once at the bottom of an ocean?
Freshwater rivers flows to the ocean.
There are underwater mountains on the ocean floor today.
Both mountains and ocean floors have similar minerals in their rocks.
Fossils of marine organisms are found on the tops of some mountains.
Which is the most accurate method scientists use to predict the age of Earth?
Radioactive dating of rocks
Comparing the ages of different fossils
Investigating core samples from the Arctic
Relative dating of rock layers
Which best describes uniformitarianism?
The formation of rock layers has slowed because humans have altered the environment.
The movement of the continents no longer occurs because of changes in ocean currents.
The time it takes for erosion to occur has changed since Earth first formed.
The processes that shape the Earth continue as they have since the Earth formed.
