Geologic Time and Fossils

Scientists who study fossils are called

• Geologists

• Paleontologists

• Fossil Scientists

• Meteorologists

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which is an example of a trace fossil?

• animal tracks

• coprolite

• burrows

• all of the answers given here

What is an example of an index fossil?

• t-rex fossils

• insect in amber

• trilobites or ammonites

• woolly mammoth fossils

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is a fossil?

• the remains or physical evidence of an organism preserved by geologic processes

• fossils can be preserved in rock, amber, asphalt, or ice

• any naturally preserved evidence of animal activity

• fossil of an organism that lived during a relatively short period of time

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram represents the rock layers and fossils found in four separate rock outcrops.

Which fossil is the best index fossil?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Mason and Clara are geologists who are digging for fossils. As they locate fossils, they map the location of them to help other geologists understand Earth’s history and how life on Earth has changed over time. Mason locates a gastropod and makes the claim, “Gastropods are index fossils”. Clara disagrees with Mason. Which of the following best supports Clara’s disagreement?

• If a fossil is to be considered an index fossil, the organism must have lived only a short period of time. Since the Gastropod lived a long period of time it is not an index fossil.

• To be an index fossil, the fossil of the organism must be found in many rock layers. Since the Gastropod is not found in every layer, it cannot be an index fossil.

• An index fossil must be found over a wide area of the earth. Since the Gastropod is widely spread, it cannot be an index fossil.

• To be classified an index fossil, the fossil must be unique. Since the Gastropod is not unique, it cannot be an index fossil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What has to be true about an index fossil?

• It lived for a long period of time.

• It lived for a short period of time.

• It is hard to find.

• It can only be found in one location.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How old is the fossil in layer 7?

• about 1 million years old

• about 205 million years old

• about 500 million years old

• about 300 million years old

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which fossil makes a good index fossil: it is in many locations but existed for a short period of time

• a

• b

• c

• d

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

According to the law of superposition, the oldest fossils are found 

• At the top of the rock layers

• Near the bottom of the rock layers

• In the middle of the rock layers

• Somewhat near the surface

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1