Earth's History in Rocks

What evidence would a scientist use to determine the age of rock in a layer?

• index fossils
• living fossils
• resin fossils
• trace fossils
  

What is the most logical conclusion about a layer of rock near the top of a canyon?

• The layers near the top are older than layers below.
• The layers near the top are younger than layers below.
• The top layer will have more fossils than layers below.
• The top layer will have less fossils than layers below.
  

The diagram shows rock layers taken from two different locations that may be far apart from each other.What can be concluded based on the diagram?

• Location 1 has terrestrial fossils, and Location 2 has aquatic fossils.
• The layers in Location 1 are much older than the layers in Location 2.
• The layers in Location 1 are younger than the layers in Location 2.
• Layers from both locations with similar fossils are about the same age.
  

The diagram shows a section of land that has been undisturbed and includes a fossil.What can be concluded about the fossil?

• It is younger than the limestone.
• It is older than the shale.
• It is approximately the same age as the limestone.
• It is approximately the same age as the sandstone.
  

What technological process has been used by scientists to determine that the age of the Earth is about 4.5 billion years old?

• seismic waves to locate fossils deep in the Earth's crust
• radioactive dating of rocks in the Earth's crust
• x-rays of rocks and the Law of Superposition
• electron microscope images to study fossils
  

What initial catastrophic event is most likely responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs?

• the impact of many tornadoes during a massive storm
• the impact of a large asteroid or comet hitting Earth's surface
• the rise of sea levels caused by melting glaciers
• the rise of mammals that became predators of dinosaurs
  

The diagram shows layers of rock that have been disturbed.Which layer of rock is the oldest?

• Layer A because other layers were formed in it.
• Layer B because it is under layers C and D.
• Layer D because it is the least eroded.
• Layer F because it is on the top.
  

Which statement can be best supported by the fossil record?

• Most of the organisms on Earth have not changed over time.
• Most life forms that existed on Earth are now extinct.
• Humans and dinosaurs have existed on Earth at the same time.
• Human have lived on Earth for most of geologic history.
  

The image shows fossils found in a section of sedimentary rock.In which layer are the oldest fossils found?

• Layer A
• Layer B
  
• Layer C
• Layer D
  

Which is the most likely reason for specific mass extinction of living organisms?

• increased tilting of the Earth's axis
• energy surges from the Sun's surface
• the impact of asteroids or small comets on the Earth's surface
• increased volcanic and earthquake activity along crustal plate boundaries