Relative Dating Quiz

What does the Law of Superposition state about sedimentary rock layers?

• The oldest layers are on the top, and the youngest are on the bottom.

• The youngest layers are on the top, and the oldest are on the bottom.

• All rock layers are of the same age.

• The age of rock layers cannot be determined.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What are index fossils used for in relative dating?

• To determine the exact age of a rock layer.

• To identify the type of rocks in a layer.

• To provide a relative age of rock layers based on the fossils they contain.

• To show that all rock layers are the same age.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What does the principle of cross-cutting relationships state?

• Sedimentary layers cut across older rocks are younger.

• Fossils cut across sedimentary layers are the oldest.

• Rocks that are cut by other rocks or features are older than the intrusions.

• Intrusions in rocks are always older than the surrounding material.

According to the Principle of Original Horizontality, how were sedimentary rock layers originally deposited?

• Vertically

• At a steep angle

• Horizontally

• In a random pattern

Which of the following is NOT a principle used in relative dating?

• Law of Superposition

• Principle of Original Horizontality

• Law of Gravitation

• Cross-Cutting Relationships

What can cause rock layers to not be horizontal, contradicting the Principle of Original Horizontality?

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Tectonic activity

• Fossilization

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Why are index fossils useful for correlating rock layers?

• They are found in all rock layers.

• They existed for a short geological period but had a wide geographic distribution.

• They are the largest fossils.

• They are made of minerals that can be radiometrically dated.

What does it mean if a fault cuts through several layers of rock?

• The layers are older than the fault.

• The fault is older than the layers.

• The layers and the fault are the same age.

• The age of the layers and the fault cannot be determined.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

How does the Law of Superposition help scientists understand Earth's history?

• By showing that Earth is flat.

• By providing a method to determine the exact age of Earth.

• By helping to establish a relative timeline of events and formations.

• By proving that all rock layers were formed at the same time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What characteristic makes a fossil a good index fossil?

• It is very large.

• It is rare and hard to find.

• It lived for a long geological time.

• It lived for a short period but was widespread.