STMS Quarter 2 Unit Test

What is the correct sequence of eras of the geologic time scale in order from oldest to youngest?

• Cenozoic, Paleozoic, Mesozoic

• Cenozoic, Mesozoic, Paleozoic

• Paleozoic, Cenozoic, Mesozoic

• Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The chart shows the different organisms that evolved during different eras of the geologic time scale. Based on the chart, what can be said about the Cenozoic Era?

• It marked the evolution of birds.

• It marked the evolution of humans.

• It marked the extinction of dinosaurs.

• It marked the extinction of shell-enclosed organisms.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The Precambrian eon (4,600 million - 541 million years ago) is the largest timespan in the history of Earth and includes the formation of Earth itself and the appearance of first organisms. Fossil records during this timespan are very poor compared to the fossil records of the next succeeding era. What is the likely reason for the lack of fossils during this timespan?

• The organisms were made up of shells.

• The organisms were composed of soft tissues.

• The organisms were less in number.

• The organisms were covered with volcano ash.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which is believed to have caused mass extinctions of living organisms and global climate changes throughout geologic history?

• increased gravitational pull of the Earth on the Moon

• the impact of asteroids or large meteors on the Earth's surface

• massive tropical hurricane storms

• large earthquakes occurring along the crustal plates

Around 250 million years ago at the end of the Permian Period, 90 percent of the planet's species became extinct. One of the major causes of the mass extinction is believed to be massive volcanic eruptions. These giant eruptions added large amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. How would these additional gases contribute to the mass extinction?

• depletion of the ozone layer

• decrease in the amount of rainfall

• change in the composition of the sea shelves

• increase in the temperature of the atmoshpere

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

The diagram shows the external of a katydid, which is an insect that is green in color and has a body with detailed leaf-like veins. How does the appearance of the katydid help the insect survive in its habitat?

• It helps the insect attract its mate.

• It helps the insect keep tis body cool.

• It helps the insect make its own food.

• It helps the insect protect itself from predators.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which adaptation is best suited for an animal to survive in cold climates?

• air pockets in bones

• large ears

• sharp claws

• thick layers of fat

One rabbit runs faster than other rabbits in its population. How will the ability to run fast most likely benefit the rabbit?

• by keeping the rabbit warmer in the winter

• by helping the rabbit blend with its environment

• by allowing the rabbit to find more sources of food

• by making it easier for the rabbit to escape from predators

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which characteristic most likely would help an organism adapt to living at high altitudes?

• large lungs to take in more oxygen

• large eyes to see better in reduced light

• large ears to help reduce body temperature

• large webbed feet for swimming long distances

Which structural adaptations would increase survival of a desert plant species, and why?

• Broad leaves; they increase the rate of photosynthesis

• Thick, fleshy photosynthetic stems; they help retain water

• Shallow roots; they absorb large amounts of surface water

• Leaves without stomata; they help speed transpiration

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4