4.LS4.1 Fossils

Look at the picture of the fossils. Based on the evidence shown, what was the most likely environment of these organisms?

• covered in rock

• cold and icy

• underwater

• dry and hot

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The chart shows a geologic time scale. The oldest fossils from the Paleozoic era are from which two time periods?

• Cambrian

• Devonian

• Permian

• Ordovician

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Choose the words to complete the sentences. Look at the picture. The horizontal patterns shown in the rock layers are caused by _____________. These layers contain ___________ materials due to different conditions on Earth.

• layers formed at similar times;

• layers formed at similar times; different

• layers formed at different times; different

• water, wind, and erosion; similar

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Look at the two rock diagrams. Choose the words to complete the sentence.

The fossils are evidence that the rock layers in each diagram are (________).

• the same age

• different ages

• not enough information

• the same types of rock

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Scientists can tell which fossils are the oldest by looking at the bedrock. Which layer contains the youngest fossils?

• layer A

• layer B

• layer C

• layer D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Scientists are able to tell which fossils are the oldest by looking at the bedrock. Which layer contains the oldest fossils?

• layer A

• Layer B

• Layer C

• Layer D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows fossils found in strata at two different sites. Which fossil would be considered the best index fossil?

• trilobrite

• ammonite

• plant

• bird

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Refer to the diagram above. Which fossil is the oldest?

• trilobite

• dinosaur

• plant

• bird

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Evidence shows very few findings of fossils of soft animals that have no bones. What is the most likely reason?

• The tissues of soft animals do not become buried in sediments.

• Soft animals do not contain minerals.

• Soft animals did not live millions of years ago when fossils formed.

• The tissues of soft animals usually decay before they become fossilized.

A geologist finds a fossil of a flowering plant. She finds the age of the rock layer where the fossil was found. Choose the era in which the plant most likely appeared.

• Precambrian

• Paleozoic

• Mesozoic

• Cenozoic

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4