4.1

It is possible to hypothesize how a particular group of organisms evolved by arranging fossils in a chronological sequence. Where would the oldest fossils be found?

• the deepest rock layer

• the most shallow rock layer

• the rock layer with the greatest variety of fossils

• the rock layer containing fossils with the most complex structures

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Throughout fossil records, many species appearing in lower layers of rock disappear in higher layers of rock. Which best explains their disappearance?

• The species became extinct.

• The species moved to another geographic location.

• The fossil remains were disrupted by an earthquake.

• Environmental conditions were not suitable for fossil formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Some scientists think that all life evolved from a common ancestor. Which provides evidence that this may be true?

• analogous structures of organisms

• homologous structures of organisms

• extinction of many varieties of plant species

• existence of many varieties of bacteria species

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

A new type of plant was discovered on a newly-formed volcanic island. The island is hundreds of miles away from the mainland. Which hypothesis best explains how the plant arrived?

• It spontaneously generated.

• It was carried there by humans.

• It was carried there by wind or waves.

• It was already present in volcanic materials.

Which would provide evidence of lithospheric plate movement over time?

• fossils of tropical plants found near the equator

• fossils of tropical fish found in a warm climate area

• fossils of tropical plants found in a cold climate area

• fossils of tropical fish found at the bottom of an ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Based on the fossil record, which organisms were most likely to have existed first?

• plants

• insects

• jellyfish

• bacteria

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which best describes the similar function of wings in birds and butterflies?

• embryological structures

• homologous structures

• analogous structures

• vestigial structures

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What do scientists most often use to form the basis for biological classification?

• dietary habits

• population size

• geographic location

• comparative anatomy

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which organisms are most closely related based on comparison of anatomical structures?

• jellyfish and clam

• snake and worm

• pig and human

• bid and bee

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which best helps scientists explore the relationship between modern organisms and ancestral species to create a system of biological classification?

• volcanic ash

• fossils

• DNA evidence

• igneous rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3