Module 2: Building a Timeline

The geologic time scale has units based on changes in rocks and fossils

• true

• false

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Index fossils are the remains of species that existed on Earth for relatively short periods of time.

• true

• false

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

When part of the rock record is destroyed, the erosional gap that forms is a(n) ____.

• inclusion

• key bed

• unconformity

• superposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is one reason the presence of iridium leads scientists to hypothesize that a meteorite impact caused the mass extinction of dinosaurs?

• There are no fossils of dinosaurs in rocks below the iridium layer.

• Iridium is only common on Earth and is never found in meteorites.

• All dinosaur fossils contain iridium.

• There are no fossils of dinosaurs in rocks above the iridium layer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A geologist who needed to correlate two rock formations in different areas could match exposed rock layers.

• true

• false

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Rock layers are correlated if they both contain the same ____.

• elements

• shapes

• fossils

• pore spaces

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Juan claims that layer X formed between 498.5 million and 488.3 million years ago. Use evidence from the diagram to determine if he is right

• Yes, he's right

• No, he's not right

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What characteristic makes a fossil an index fossil?

• It is found in only one location.

• It is found in many rock layers.

• It is found in a wide geographic area and existed for a short period.

• It is found in deep ocean sediments.

Why are index fossils useful to geologists?

• They help determine the absolute age of rock layers.

• They indicate the presence of oil reserves.

• They help correlate rock layers across different regions.

• They provide information about past climates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a fossil to be considered an index fossil?

• It must be easily recognizable.

• It must have lived for a long period of time.

• It must be widespread geographically.

• It must be abundant in the fossil record.