Open Ended Response Cards

1. The law of superposition states what?

• The oldest layer is on the bottom and the youngest layer is on the top.

• The youngest layer is on the bottom and the oldest layer is on the top.

• All layers are of the same age.

• Layers are deposited in random order.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

In the process of gradualism, species are changing by:

• sudden large changes

• gradual small changes

• not changing at all

• random changes

4. In punctuated equilibrium long periods of stasis are interrupted by...

• sudden changes

• gradual changes

• no changes

• constant changes

In the fossil record, if we suddenly see an abrupt disappearance of a specific species, what can we assume happened?

• The species migrated to a new location.

• The species evolved into a new form.

• The species went extinct.

• The species was never present.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is the term used when a new distinct species is formed during the fossil record?

• Speciation

• Extinction

• Evolution

• Adaptation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What can we assume about an organism that can be observed changing slowly over time in the fossil record?

• The organism is undergoing rapid evolution.

• The organism is extinct.

• The organism is undergoing gradual evolution.

• The organism is not evolving.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The main difference between gradualism and punctuated equilibrium is:

• Gradualism involves slow and steady change, while punctuated equilibrium involves rapid change followed by stability.

• Gradualism involves rapid change followed by stability, while punctuated equilibrium involves slow and steady change.

• Both involve slow and steady change.

• Both involve rapid change followed by stability.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

If there are long periods of stasis in the fossil record, what is happening to organisms during this time?

• Organisms are evolving rapidly.

• Organisms are undergoing little to no evolutionary change.

• Organisms are going extinct.

• Organisms are migrating to new environments.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Transitional fossils help scientists piece together what information?

• The evolutionary history of species

• The climate changes over time

• The migration patterns of animals

• The dietary habits of ancient organisms

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

How does the fossil record help scientists understand organisms?

• By providing evidence of past life forms and their evolution

• By showing the current population of organisms

• By predicting future species

• By explaining the behavior of living organisms

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2