Evolution Fossils

Environments have changed over millions of years. Which of these would be BEST for a scientist to study when investigating these environmental changes?

• volcanic deposits

• wave patterns

• fossil records

• ocean currents

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of these provides the BEST evidence that the environment of Earth has changed over millions of years?

• active migration of sand dunes

• marine (water) fossils found on top of mountains

• polished appearance of rock surfaces

• none of the above

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Scientists theorize that the ancient horse on the left is related to the modern horse on the right. The scientists theorize that the horse has gone through many changes over time. How did the scientists conclude that the animal changed over time?

• by examining fossil records

• by learning about natural selection

• by studying deposition of sediments

• by observing different types of rock formations

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A scientist drew some diagrams of ancestors of elephants based on fossil evidence. Which is the BEST conclusion that can be made from comparing the diagrams?

(Model Description: The first elephant ancestor is 50 million years old and very small, the second elephant ancestor is 30 million years old and much larger. The trunk is also short. The last ancestor is 20 million years old and taller, but shorter width wise. The trunk is also longer.)

• Ancient elephants were better adapted than modern elephants.

• Elephant habitats have remained the same over time.

• Elephant fossil evidence is widespread and complete.

• Elephant species have changed over time.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The fossil record provides evidence that 

• Fossils cannot be dated.

• All species were formed during Earth’s formation and have changed little since then.

• The fossilized species have no connection to today’s species.

• Older species gave rise to more-recent species.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

This diagram of the fossil record represents changes in mollusks over millions of years. How can the pattern of change in the fossil record best be explained?

• There was a period of sudden change followed by stasis.

• There was a period of stasis followed by rapid decline.

• There was a long period of sudden change.

• There was no period of change.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Scientists have collected millions of fossils of different organisms, and have developed a timeline of life on Earth. What do we call this?

• Mutation

• Natural Selection

• The theory of evolution

• Fossil Record

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Layered fossils create a historical sequence (timeline) is known as ____________.

• Natural Selection

• Evolution

• Fossil Record

• Extinction

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Fossils are the preserved ____ of once living organisms.

• plants

• adaptations

• remains

• variations

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientist study the ____________________ to learn about the history of life, past environments on Earth, and how different groups of organisms have changed over time.

• fossil record

• historical record

• animal record

• Earth record

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2