SC 4 E 6 4

What can scientists learn from studying the layers of rock in which fossils are found?

• The exact age of the fossils.

• The type of climate that existed when the fossils were formed.

• The relative age of the fossils.

• The diet of the organisms that formed the fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

How does the Law of Superposition help scientists determine the age of rock layers?

• It states that the oldest layers are at the top and the youngest are at the bottom.

• It states that the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

• It states that all rock layers are the same age.

• It states that rock layers are always horizontal.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following best describes radioactive dating?

• A method to determine the relative age of rocks.

• A method to determine the absolute age of rocks by measuring the decay of radioactive elements.

• A method to determine the age of fossils by their location in rock layers.

• A method to determine the age of rocks by their color.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Why are fossils important for understanding Earth's history?

• They provide evidence of past life forms and environments.

• They can be used to predict future geological events.

• They are the only way to determine the age of rocks.

• They show that Earth's environment has always been the same.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How can scientists determine the relative age of a rock layer?

• By measuring the radioactive decay of elements in the rock.

• By comparing it to the ages of other rock layers using the Law of Superposition.

• By analyzing the chemical composition of the rock.

• By observing the color of the rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Why are index fossils useful for dating rock layers?

• They are found in only one location.

• They are from organisms that lived for a long period of time.

• They help determine the relative age of rock layers.

• They are used to determine the absolute age of rocks.

A geologist is studying rock layers in two different locations. In Location 1, they find the following layers from top to bottom: sandstone, shale, and limestone. In Location 2, they find the same sequence but with an additional layer of basalt on top. Radiometric dating shows that the basalt layer is 50 million years old. What can the geologist infer about the relative ages of the rock layers in both locations?

• • The sandstone in Location 1 is younger than the basalt in Location 2.

• • The limestone in Location 1 is older than the basalt in Location 2.

• • The shale in Location 2 is younger than the sandstone in Location 1.

• • The basalt in Location 2 is older than the limestone in Location 1.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following is an example of an index fossil?

• A fossil found in only one location.

• A fossil of an organism that lived for a long period of time.

• A fossil of an organism that lived during a specific time period and is found in many places.

• A fossil that is used to determine the absolute age of a rock layer.

What does the presence of folding and faulting in rock layers indicate?

• The rock layers have remained undisturbed.

• The rock layers have been subjected to movements in Earth's crust.

• The rock layers are very young.

• The rock layers are very old.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following is an example of a process that can disturb rock layers?

• Sedimentation

• Folding

• Erosion

• Fossilization