Earth History Test

Which process would be most accurate in determining the actual age of fossils embedded in rock?

• relative dating

• absolute dating

• counting tree rings

• use of core sampling

Fossil remains of a trilobite are most likely to be found in which type of rock?

• igneous

• volcanic

• sedimentary

• metamorphic

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which statement best describes the Law of Superposition?

• Each sedimentary layer of rock represents 1,000 years of Earth's age, much like the rings of a tree.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rocks, the upper rock layers are older than the lower rock layers.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the lowest layers contain the older rocks.

• Rocks that form near volcanoes are older than surrounding rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Four sedimentary rock layers are cut by an igneous rock intrusion. Which best describes the relative age of the igneous rock intrusion in comparison to the ages of the four sedimentary rock layers?

• The igneous rock intrusion is older than sedimentary rock layers W, X, Y and Z.

• The igneous rock intrusion is younger than sedimentary rock layers W, X, Y, and Z

• The igneous rock intrusion is older than sedimentary rock layer W and younger than sedimentary rock layers X, Y, and Z

• The igneous rock intrusion is younger than sedimentary rock layer W and older than sedimentary rock layers X, Y, and Z.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Imprints of the shells of ocean clams are often found in the rocks of the Appalachian Mountains. What is most likely indicated by these imprint fossils?

• Mountain river clams evolved from ocean clams.

• Ocean clams evolved from mountain river clams.

• These mountains once had a more rainy climate.

• These mountains were once under the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Fossilized teeth from an extinct shark were found embedded in a rock layer at the base of a mountain, several hundred kilometers (km) from the nearest ocean.  Which of the following statements best explains why the rock layer cannot be igneous rock?

• The melting process would have destroyed the fossil.

• Weathering and erosion would have broken up the fossil.

• The rock was found at an inland location away from heat and pressure.

• Repeated volcanic eruptions would have buried the fossil too deeply to be found.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

• the tectonic plate under Africa was closer to the South Pole at one time

• the equator was not always where it is currently located

• volcanoes did not exist until after faults occurred in Earth’s crust

• the location of the North Pole and the South Pole changed

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Younger rocks lie above older rocks, if layers are left undisturbed.

• Uniformitarianism

• Catastrophism

• Law of Crosscutting

• Law of Superposition

Antarctica is the coldest, driest continent on Earth, and only a few species survive its harsh elements. Yet scientists have found fossils of green fern plants in Antarctica. Based on these findings, which of these is the best conclusion?

• The climate of Antarctica changed over time.

• The location of Antarctica has always been at the South Pole.

• These fossils are of an organism that adapted in Antarctica over time.

• This species could currently exist in Antarctica if there was less competition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Used to determine whether an object is older or younger than other objects

• Superposition

• Relative Dating

• Fossil

• Unconformity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4