Fossils and Plate Tectonics Quiz

What does the term "Mesosaur" mean?

• Ancient lizard

• Middle lizard

• Sea lizard

• Large lizard

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which continents have Mesosaurus fossils been found on?

• North America and Europe

• Asia and Australia

• South America and Africa

• Antarctica and Asia

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Explain how the distribution of Mesosaurus fossils supports the theory of plate tectonics.

• The fossils are found only in one location, indicating no movement.

• The fossils are found on multiple continents, suggesting they were once connected.

• The fossils are found in the ocean, indicating underwater movement.

• The fossils are found in mountainous regions, indicating uplift.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is the significance of finding Mesosaurus fossils in both South America and Africa?

• It suggests that Mesosaurus could fly.

• It provides evidence that these continents were once joined.

• It indicates that Mesosaurus lived in cold climates.

• It shows that Mesosaurus was a deep-sea creature.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Analyze the following statement: "The presence of Mesosaurus fossils in both South America and Africa is evidence of past plate motions." What reasoning supports this statement?

• Mesosaurus could swim long distances across oceans.

• The continents were once connected, allowing Mesosaurus to inhabit both areas.

• Mesosaurus fossils are found in the ocean, indicating they drifted with the currents.

• Mesosaurus fossils are found in volcanic regions, indicating they were transported by lava.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What characteristic of Mesosaurus suggests it was adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle?

• Long, sharp claws

• Webbed feet

• Thick, scaly skin

• Large, powerful jaws

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Describe how the discovery of Mesosaurus fossils in different continents can be used to interpret past geological events.

• It shows that Mesosaurus was a migratory species.

• It indicates that the continents have always been in their current positions.

• It provides evidence for the movement of tectonic plates over time.

• It suggests that Mesosaurus fossils were transported by ancient humans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What evidence from Mesosaurus fossils supports the idea of continental drift?

• The fossils are found in deep ocean trenches.

• The fossils are identical on different continents.

• The fossils are found only in volcanic regions.

• The fossils are found in desert areas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Using the distribution of Mesosaurus fossils, how can scientists infer the past positions of continents?

• By analyzing the size of the fossils

• By comparing the age of the fossils

• By mapping the locations of the fossils on different continents

• By studying the color of the fossils

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What does the presence of Mesosaurus fossils in both South America and Africa suggest about the climate of these regions 300 million years ago?

• They were covered in ice.

• They had a warm, tropical climate.

• They were arid deserts.

• They were mountainous regions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3