Chapter 2 Science Review (5th)

The scientific study of fossils is called _____.

• geology

• creation

• evolution

• paleontology

Answer explanation

The scientific study of fossils is known as paleontology. This field focuses on understanding the history of life on Earth through the examination of fossilized remains, distinguishing it from geology, creation, and evolution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

People who believe that life on the earth evolved are called _____.

• geologists

• Creationists

• evolutionists

• paleontologists

Answer explanation

People who believe in the theory of evolution, which explains how life on Earth developed over time, are referred to as evolutionists. The other options do not specifically denote this belief.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

People who believe that God created the earth and all forms of life in six days are called _____.

• geologists

• Creationists

• evolutionists

• paleontologists

Answer explanation

People who believe that God created the earth and all forms of life in six days are known as Creationists. This term specifically refers to those who hold this belief, distinguishing them from geologists, evolutionists, and paleontologists.

When the last of a certain plant or animal dies, _____ occurs.

• excavation

• extinction

• evolution

• decomposition

Answer explanation

When the last individual of a species dies, it leads to extinction, which is the complete disappearance of that species from Earth. The other options do not accurately describe this phenomenon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The process of removing a fossil from the rock and other materials around it is called _____.

• excavation

• extinction

• evolution

• decomposition

Answer explanation

The process of removing a fossil from surrounding rock is known as excavation. This term specifically refers to the careful digging and extraction of fossils, distinguishing it from concepts like extinction, evolution, or decomposition.

One thing scientists cannot learn from a fossil is an animal’s _____.

• diet

• body shape and size

• behavior

• outward appearance

Answer explanation

Scientists can infer an animal's diet, body shape, and size from fossils, but they cannot determine its outward appearance, such as color or texture, since these details do not fossilize.

People draw conclusions about fossils based on what they believe about how the earth began.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. People's beliefs about the origins of the Earth influence their interpretations of fossils, as these beliefs shape their understanding of geological time and the processes that led to fossil formation.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

Dinosaur bones have been found only in the eastern parts of the earth.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Dinosaur bones have been discovered worldwide, not just in the eastern parts of the earth. Therefore, the statement is false.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The fossil record provides clear evidence of a worldwide Flood.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The fossil record shows patterns of sedimentation and fossil distribution consistent with a global flood event, supporting the claim of a worldwide Flood. Therefore, the statement is True.

Fossils have been preserved in tar, ice, amber, and sedimentary rock.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Fossils can be preserved in various materials, including tar, ice, amber, and sedimentary rock. Therefore, the statement is true.