Relative Dating and Fossils

Analyze the seashell found in the white layer.  Which statement is true of the rock layer that contains this fossil?

• It could also contain a fossil from the bottom layer.

• It is older than the layers below it.

• It is younger than the layers above it.

• It is older than the layers above it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which rock layer contains the newest fossils?

• F

• E

• B

• C

Tags

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-LS4-1

What is the best reason that fossil #4 is NOT a good index fossil?

• It is not widespread

• it is not short-lived (in numerous layers)

• It is in half of the outcrops

Which rock layers contained the same index fossils at Zion and the Grand Canyon?

• Kaibab Formation and Z1

• Supai Group and Z1

• Toroweap and Z2

• Supai Group and Z7

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which fossil makes the best index fossil?

• ammonite

• brachiopod

• trilobite

• shark

• all four are good index fossils

Layer B on side #1 (left) is a match to which layer on side #2 (right)?

• z

• y

• w

• there is no match

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What are the relative ages of the features in order from oldest to youngest?

• Limestone, Basalt, Fault, Siltstone

• Siltstone, Fault, Basalt, Limestone

• Limestone, Fault, Basalt, Siltstone

• Limestone, Siltstone, Fault, Basalt

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The best index fossils have which two traits?

• widespread geographically, long lifespan

• widespread geographically, short lifespan

• specific place, long lifespan

• specific place, short lifespan

Index fossils help determine relative age through correlating rock layers.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4