EOY Bellwork 5: Age of Earth

What does the Principle of Superposition state?

• The youngest rock layers are at the bottom.

• The oldest rock layers are at the bottom.

• All rock layers are the same age.

• Rock layers are always horizontal.

Answer explanation

The Principle of Superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top. Therefore, the correct choice is that the oldest rock layers are at the bottom.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is an index fossil?

• A fossil that is found in all rock layers.

• A fossil that is found only in volcanic rocks.

• A fossil of an organism that lived during a specific time period.

• A fossil that is the largest in size.

Answer explanation

An index fossil is a fossil of an organism that lived during a specific time period, which helps geologists date the rock layers in which it is found. This makes it a key tool in understanding Earth's history.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the purpose of radiometric dating?

• To determine the absolute age of rock layers.

• To identify the type of rock.

• To find the location of tectonic plates.

• To determine the relative age of rock layers.

Answer explanation

Radiometric dating measures the decay of radioactive isotopes in rocks, allowing scientists to determine the absolute age of rock layers. This method provides a specific age, unlike relative dating, which only indicates the sequence of events.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

What was Pangea?

• A current continent.

• A type of rock layer.

• A supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.

• A type of fossil.

Answer explanation

Pangea was a supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, bringing together many of today's continents into one landmass. It is not a current continent, a type of rock layer, or a type of fossil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What evidence supports Alfred Wegener's theory of Continental Drift?

• The presence of similar fossils across different continents.

• The color of the rocks.

• The depth of the oceans.

• The height of mountains.

Answer explanation

Wegener's theory of Continental Drift is supported by the presence of similar fossils across different continents, indicating that these landmasses were once connected, allowing species to inhabit them before drifting apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How do geologists use the Principle of Superposition?

• To measure the size of fossils.

• To determine the relative ages of rock layers.

• To find the location of earthquakes.

• To determine the absolute age of rocks.

Answer explanation

Geologists use the Principle of Superposition to determine the relative ages of rock layers, as it states that in undisturbed layers, the oldest rocks are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What causes the continents to drift apart?

• The erosion of rocks.

• The movement of tectonic plates.

• The formation of new fossils.

• The cooling of the Earth's core.

Answer explanation

The continents drift apart due to the movement of tectonic plates, which are large sections of the Earth's crust that float on the semi-fluid mantle beneath. This movement can cause continents to shift over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is one method geologists use to determine the absolute age of rocks?

• Erosion measurement.

• Radiometric dating.

• Fossil size comparison.

• Rock color analysis.

Answer explanation

Geologists use radiometric dating to determine the absolute age of rocks by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes within them, providing a precise age estimate.

What does the presence of similar fossils on different continents suggest?

• The fossils are not related.

• The fossils are from different time periods.

• The continents were once connected.

• The continents have always been separate.

Answer explanation

The presence of similar fossils on different continents suggests that these landmasses were once connected, allowing species to inhabit multiple areas. This supports the theory of continental drift.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3