The Geological Column

The diagram below shows fossils and rock features.

How does intrusion X compare to the ages of the other rock layers and fossils in this geologic column?

• Intrusion X is older than layers Y and Z.

• Intrusion X is younger than all the layers.

• Intrusion X is older than the clam and broadleaf fossils.

• Intrusion X is younger than the broadleaf and fern fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which is true?

• Layer W is older than intrusion X.

• Intrusion X is younger than layers Z and Y.

• The broadleaf fossil is older than the fern fossil.

• The clam fossil is younger than the reptile bone fossil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which is younger than the broadleaf fossil?

• layer Z

• layer Y

• fern fossil

• intrusion X

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which is younger than the clam fossil?

• layer Z

• broadleaf

• intrusion X

• reptile bone

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Scientists can use relative dating, absolute dating, or a combination of the two techniques to determine the age of a fossil. Which of the following could be determined using both methods?

• the difference in age between two fossils
• which of two fossils is the older
• a narrow age range for a fossil
• the exact age of a fossil

The diagram shows different layers of sedimentary rock. Each layer is labeled with a letter. Which statement correctly describes the relative ages of the rock layers shown in the diagram?

• The left part of Layer B is younger than the right part.

• The left part of Layer F is the same age as Layer M.

• Layer R is older than Layer M.

• Layer I is older than Layer B.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

In what type of rock would a geologist MOST likely find evidence of ancient life?

• sedimentary
• foliated
• metamorphic
• volcanic

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The rock layers below were dated using the radioactive decay method. If the layers have been undisturbed, which best represents their arrangement from bottom to top?

• W, X, Y, Z

• X, Y, W, Z

• Z, W, Y, X

• Z, Y, X, W

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Based on the diagram, which is true?

• Layer U is the oldest.

• Layer Z is the youngest.

• Layer T is older than layer S.

• Layer X is older than layer Y.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A teacher gave students this diagram of rock layers. The teacher directed the students to determine the relative age of each rock layer based only on the information presented in the diagram. Which method can BEST be used by the students to determine the relative age of these layers?

• radiometric dating

• rock type evaluation

• the law of superposition

• principle of uniformitarianism

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4