TEST NAME: EARTH HISTORY TEST ID: GRADE:08 SUBJECT:Life and Physical Sciences TEST CATEGORY: My Classroom

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1 TEST NAME: EARTH HISTORY TEST ID: GRADE:08 SUBJECT:Life and Physical Sciences TEST CATEGORY: My Classroom EARTH HISTORY Page 1 of 69

2 Student: Class: Date: 1. Rock layers with seashells are found on top of a mountain much higher than sea level. Which most likely caused this? A. deposition B. erosion C. fault 2. The picture shows an ammonite fossil on the left. On the right, it shows how the animal may have looked 160 million years ago. According to the ammonite s characteristics, which modern animals would most likely be the relatives of ammonites? A. squids and octopi B. whales and porpoises C. lizards and turtles D. shrimp and crabs 3. A rock cliff of parallel rock layers is slanted at an angle. What is this most likely evidence of? A. deposition B. erosion C. fault EARTH HISTORY Page 2 of 69

3 4. Which can scientists most likely conclude from discovering tropical plant fossils at the North Pole? A. Temperatures at the North Pole were once much warmer. B. Only a few species of plants used to grow at the North Pole. C. Ancient plants mutated to survive in the cold polar climate of the North Pole. D. Higher levels of carbon dioxide once existed in the atmosphere at the North Pole. 5. Scientists are able to conclude that a forested ecosystem existed in Antarctica millions of years ago by studying A. the current climate. B. the fossil record. C. glacial movement. D. seafloor spreading. 6. A geologist found 600 year old sediments below a particular rock layer. Which will the geologist most likely find above the rock layer? A. 450 year old sediments B. 600 year old sediments C. 650 year old sediments D. 1,000 year old sediments 7. The radioactive isotope content of a rock can be used to identify which property of the rock? A. the total mass of the rock B. the rate at which the rock formed C. the types of fossils that the rock contains D. the amount of time passed since the rock formed 8. How are igneous rocks formed? A. by hardening and cementing of layers of sediments B. by cooling and hardening of molten rocks from inside the Earth C. when existing rocks change by heat and pressure into new kinds of rocks EARTH HISTORY Page 3 of 69

4 9. The diagram shows layers of rock, A, B, C, D, and igneous intrusion E. A, B, C, D, and E most likely formed in which sequence? A. First Last D C B E A B. C. First Last A B C D E First Last E D C B A D. First Last A E B C D 10. Which statement is most accurate regarding fossils? A. Fossils found in upper layers of a rock section are generally older than those below it. B. Fossils are an indicator of ancient environmental conditions. C. Absolute ages of fossils are determined by using carbon dating technology. D. Marine organisms with hard body parts rarely become fossils. EARTH HISTORY Page 4 of 69

5 11. This diagram shows fossils from different eras of geologic time. Which index fossil would indicate the oldest rock? A. Venericardia planicosta B. Nerinea trinodosa C. Paradoxides pinus 12. The fossil record can be used to study the organisms that have lived on Earth. If a rock containing fossils is being studied without the surrounding layers, which can be most likely be determined by studying this layer? A. the organisms that lived together during this time period B. the length of time a species lived before becoming extinct C. the development of a plant over time based on the fossil remains D. the change in the climate of Earth from one time period to another 13. In what type of rock would a geologist most likely find evidence of ancient life? A. sedimentary B. foliated C. metamorphic D. volcanic EARTH HISTORY Page 5 of 69

6 14. Based on the law of superposition, which best describes the ages of four undisturbed rock layers relative to one another? A. All of the layers of rock were deposited at about the same time and are about the same age. B. The youngest rock layer is found on top, and the older layers are closer to the center of Earth. C. The oldest rock layer is found on top, and the younger layers are closer to the center of Earth. D. The youngest rock layer is found on the bottom, followed by the oldest layer, and then younger layers. 15. The figure below shows a wall of the Grand Canyon. The most recent rocks of the Grand Canyon formed during which geologic period? A. Permian B. Devonian C. Cambrian D. Precambrian EARTH HISTORY Page 6 of 69

7 16. Fossil remains of a trilobite are most likely to be found in which type of rock? A. igneous B. volcanic C. sedimentary D. metamorphic 17. Which best describes the relationship between rock layers and index fossils? A. Different rock layers contain only specific species of index fossils. B. Different rock layers can be compared to determine the exact age of index fossils. C. Different rock layers can be determined to be the same exact age if they contain the same index fossils. D. Different rock layers can be determined to be the same relative age if they contain the same index fossils. 18. Which conclusion can be made when observing multiple undisturbed layers of rock? A. The shallow layers are older than the deeper layers. B. The deeper layers are older than the shallow layers. C. The deeper layers are younger than the shallow layers. D. The shallow layers are the same age as the deeper layers. EARTH HISTORY Page 7 of 69

8 19. The diagram below shows the Earth s crustal plates. Which natural occurrence is the direct result of tectonic plate movement? A. earthquake B. hurricane C. tornado 20. Which describes uranium use for radioactive dating? A. Uranium is a strongly radioactive substance that breaks down at a fast and steady pace which cannot be altered by temperature or pressure. B. Uranium is a strongly radioactive substance that breaks down at a fast and unsteady pace which can be altered by temperature or pressure. C. Uranium is a mildly radioactive substance that breaks down at a slow and steady pace which cannot be altered by temperature or pressure. EARTH HISTORY Page 8 of 69

9 21. Use this geologic profile to answer the following question. Which of the following best describes the fossil at Point 3 when compared with the fossils at Points 1 and 2? A. The fossil at Point 3 is less common. B. The fossil at Point 3 is smaller. C. The fossil at Point 3 is older. D. The fossil at Point 3 is more complex. 22. What can ice cores most accurately tell you about Earth s history for a given location? A. the climate at that time B. the plants that grew at that time C. the animals that lived at that time 23. Students are observing two fossils in a lab. They are told by the teacher that the fossils were found in different rock layers. What can the students most likely determine from just observing the fossils? A. how each organism died B. the exact age of the fossils C. when the fossils were discovered D. the type of environment in which the organisms lived 24. A scientist finds an index fossil in layers of rock in both Africa and South America. What does this indicate about the ages of the rocks? A. The African rock is older. B. The South American rock is older. C. The rocks are younger than the fossils. D. The rocks are approximately the same age. EARTH HISTORY Page 9 of 69

10 25. Fossils were discovered in four different sedimentary rock layers as shown below. Which best describes the age of the fish relative to the age of the fern and the age of the shell? A. The fish is older than both the fern and the shell. B. The fish is younger than both the fern and the shell. C. The fish is older than the fern, but younger than the shell. D. The fish is younger than the fern, but older than the shell. 26. The discovery of fossilized coral reefs on land is evidence that A. salt water changes coral into fossils. B. the reefs formed in a freshwater lake. C. the sea level has changed over time. D. coral reefs can form on dry land. 27. Which best explains the use of radioactive dating? A. to determine the presence of index fossils B. to determine the relative age of a rock layer C. to determine the absolute age of a rock layer D. to determine changes in the surface of the Earth EARTH HISTORY Page 10 of 69

11 28. The diagram shows carbon dioxide levels preserved in an ice core. Which process most likely accounts for the major increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide over time? A. increased deforestation B. decreased deforestation C. increased use of fossil fuels D. decreased use of fossil fuels 29. Which of these would help determine the changes in a plant species over geologic time? A. examining the number of plants in a given area B. examining the type of animals that eat the plant C. examining the type of seeds the plant produces D. examining the fossil record of the plant EARTH HISTORY Page 11 of 69

12 30. Which best describes how ice cores can provide scientists with evidence for climate change over a period of time? A. Ice cores form only during ice ages. B. Dark rings in the ice core indicate climate change. C. The temperature of the ice core is lower in layers formed when temperature is colder. D. The concentration of gases in the ice core indicate colder or warmer temperatures. 31. The rock layers below were dated using the radioactive decay method. Layer W X Y Z Age of Layer 50,000 years old 150,000 years old 75,000 years old 20,000 years old If the layers have been undisturbed, which best represents their arrangement from bottom to top? A. W, X, Y, Z B. X, Y, W, Z C. Z, W, Y, X D. Z, Y, X, W 32. An ice core shows increasing levels of carbon dioxide over the last 100 years. Which best explains the high levels of carbon dioxide found in the ice core? A. Temperatures over the last century have been growing colder. B. Temperatures over the last century have been growing warmer. C. The region was covered by seawater at some time in the last century. D. The region has received higher amounts of precipitation over the last century. EARTH HISTORY Page 12 of 69

13 33. Which are scientists most likely to use to estimate the age of Earth? A. rock layers B. soil samples C. organic fossils D. water samples 34. Fossils of the fern Glossopteris have been found in the continents of South America, Africa, Asia, and Antarctica. The seeds of this fern were too small to be dispersed by wind. Which is best indicated by the presence of Glossopteris fossils on these continents? A. Glossopteris was versatile enough to adapt to all climates. B. The landmasses were joined together in pre historic times. C. Fossils were much better preserved in the southern continents. D. The northern climate regions were not suitable for plant growth. 35. Which provides the best evidence of Earth s changing climate? A. ice cores B. volcanic ash C. metamorphic rocks D. sediment in river beds 36. A rock sample is arranged in four undisturbed layers, W, X, Y and Z, as shown in the diagram below. Which is most likely true about the layers according to the law of superposition? W X Y Z A. W is the oldest rock layer and Z is the youngest rock layer. B. W is the youngest rock layer and Z is the oldest rock layer. C. X is the youngest rock layer and W is the oldest rock layer. D. X is the oldest rock layer and Y is the oldest rock layer. EARTH HISTORY Page 13 of 69

14 37. Evidence of extensive glaciation has been suggested as an explanation for extinctions at the end of the Permian period. Such glaciation could have disrupted ocean ecosystems by producing which effect? A. steep drop in ocean salinity and density B. steep drop in ocean volume and area C. increased exposure of oceans to ultraviolet radiation D. increased exposure of tsunamis to ocean life 38. 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? A. Elephant species have changed over time. B. Ancient elephants were better adapted than modern elephants. C. Elephant habitats have remained the same over time. D. Elephant fossil evidence is widespread and complete. 39. What can be shown by the folding, breaking, and uplifting of some rock layers? A. The oldest layers are always on top. B. The oldest layers are never on bottom. C. The youngest layers are always on top. D. The youngest layers are not always on top. 40. Through relative dating, the age of a rock was determined to be between 15,000 and 25,000 years old. How long should the half life be of the radioactive element used to date the rock layer? A. Five thousand years B. One million years C. Five million years EARTH HISTORY Page 14 of 69

15 41. Which characteristic of an index fossil makes it most useful in relative dating of rock layers and other fossils? A. They are found only in a few areas. B. Their existence on Earth was brief. C. They are preserved in perfect condition. D. They are usually found in certain kinds of rock. 42. A fossil discovered in Colorado dates from the early Mesozoic Era. A year later a similar fossil is found in Wyoming that also dates from the early Mesozoic Era. These two organisms most likely lived in A. the same environment at about the same time. B. the same environment at different times. C. different environments at about the same time. D. different environments at different times. 43. Which generalization can be made about the relative age of a fossil found in a sedimentary rock bed? A. The fossil is younger than the rock layer above it. B. The fossil was formed before the rock layer that contains it. C. The fossil and the rock were formed in different environments. D. The fossil was formed around the same time as the rock that contains it. 44. A rock formation stands like a statue in the middle of a desert surrounded by plants. Which would it most likely be? A. igneous rock B. limestone C. sandstone EARTH HISTORY Page 15 of 69

16 45. Scientists discovered fossils of different organisms in some layers of rock. Organism 5 was discovered in the uppermost layer. The scientists wanted to determine if Organism 5 was related to other organisms found in older layers of rock. They compared physical traits and DNA similarities from all the fossils. Some of their results are shown in the table. Based on the table, which organism is most likely an ancestor of Organism 5? A. Organism 1 B. Organism 2 C. Organism 3 D. Organism Which characteristic of an extinct organism makes it best suited to be used as an index fossil? A. an organism whose fossils show evolutionary change over time B. an organism that was common only in specific types of environments C. an organism that was commonly fossilized during a specific period of time D. an organism whose fossils are found in rocks ranging in age from ancient to recent times 47. Paleontologists are scientists who study evidence of past life on Earth. Which method do paleontologists most likely use to determine the forms of life that existed millions of years ago? A. examine current species of plants and animals B. research past species in the library C. interview older scientists D. examine fossils records 48. During an investigation observed by two scientists, an electrical current failed to cause a light bulb to shine. One scientist suggested that the battery was too weak. The other scientist suggested that the wire used in the investigation was a poor conductor. Because each scientist offered different ideas about what occurred, it is most likely the A. investigation was flawed because there are different explanations. B. scientists have different educational backgrounds. C. investigation needs to be repeated as soon as possible. D. scientists have both offered probable explanations. EARTH HISTORY Page 16 of 69

17 49. A complete fossil has been found of a type of bird that cannot be identified. What can most likely be determined about the bird from the fossil? A. The bird lived for a very short time. B. The bird lived in a dry environment. C. The bird existed at one time but is now extinct. D. The bird was not well preserved during the process of fossilization. 50. A road cut shows a layer of shale on top of a layer of limestone. This indicates A. the shale layer is older than the limestone layer. B. a fault occurred during the deposition of the layers. C. the environment changed between the times of deposition. D. volcanic activity occurred when these layers were deposited. 51. What is the best description for how trace fossils are different from fossils of an organism s remains? A. Trace fossils are fossilized tracks and other evidences of an organism s activity. B. Trace fossils are fossilized waste of an animal. C. Trace fossils are parts of the original organism. 52. Several different fossils were found in rock layers in a geologic column. Above these rock layers, the fossils were almost nonexistent. Which most likely explains these observations? A. A nonconformity occurred. B. All the organisms migrated. C. A period of mass extinction occurred. 53. For many years scientists thought that dinosaurs rapidly replaced their ancestors. New information shows that dinosaurs and their non dinosaur ancestors may have existed together for tens of millions of years. Which evidence most likely made it possible to support the idea that dinosaurs and their ancestors coexisted for millions of years? A. Fewer fossils were found of amphibians than of dinosaurs. B. More fossils found were of larger organisms than of dinosaurs. C. Herbivore bones were found in each rock layer. D. Bones of three different species were found in the same rock layer. EARTH HISTORY Page 17 of 69

18 54. A certain fossil (Y) is found in a layer of rock that lies between two index fossils, X and Z. Surprisingly, the older of the index fossils (Z) is found above the other fossils, suggesting that the rock layer has overturned. Which dating method is best to confirm the rock layer has overturned by determining the ages of these fossils? A. anatomical comparison B. gene sequencing C. radiometric analysis D. fossil depth measurement 55. Which evidence would best indicate that four legged land animals might have a fish ancestor? A. fossils of fish with four fins B. fossils of land animals found in ancient lake beds C. fossils of fish found in cliffs above any present day water levels D. fossils of fish with bones on their fins arranged like bones of land animals 56. Scientists are analyzing a recently unearthed fossil using radiometric dating techniques. Twenty five percent of the original uranium 235 in the sample has decayed into lead 207. Isotope Half Lifes Parent Isotope Stable Daughter Product Currently Accepted Half Life Values Uranium 238 Lead billion years Uranium 235 Lead million years Thorium 232 Lead billion years Scientists determine that the fossil is most likely from which Paleozoic period? A. Permian B. Devonian C. Silurian D. Cambrian EARTH HISTORY Page 18 of 69

19 57. Brachiopods are marine invertebrates. The drawing shows fossilized brachiopods and modern brachiopods. The fossilized brachiopods lived thousands of years ago and have gone extinct. Modern brachiopods are alive today. What can be concluded by examining the drawings of the brachiopods? A. Marine species change faster than freshwater species. B. The fossil record provides evidence that species can change over time. C. Invertebrates become fossilized more readily than other types of organisms. D. Any change to the living conditions of an organism will cause its extinction. 58. Around which landforms can scientists most likely find igneous rocks? A. cliffs B. faults C. mountains D. volcanoes 59. An investigator finds a seashell fossil in a sedimentary rock layer. The investigator concludes that this organism lived at that exact location. A second researcher interprets the evidence in a different way and states this organism lived a long distance away. Which statement best explains how this individual organism could have lived elsewhere as proposed by the second researcher? A. The organism was a member of a species found in many locations. B. The organism evolved over time to survive in a different environment. C. Water currents dragged the organism s remains to their current location before fossilization. D. Predators carried the fossil to new locations as their movement patterns changed. 60. Which are most closely associated with volcanic activity, plate tectonics, and seafloor spreading? A. fossils B. mountains C. igneous rocks D. sedimentary rocks EARTH HISTORY Page 19 of 69

20 61. A student is visiting a local limestone quarry and finds fossils of seashells. The quarry is located hundreds of miles from the ocean. The fossils best indicate that A. this area was once below sea level. B. global temperature changed over time. C. erosion took place after a flood. D. volcanic activity affected the area. 62. Which data can be directly determined by studying ice core samples? A. changes in plant life B. changes in animal life C. changes in climate patterns D. changes in energy resources 63. Four fossils were discovered and identified according to the rock layer in which each was found. Which is the youngest fossil? A. fish B. shell C. bone D. fern leaf EARTH HISTORY Page 20 of 69

21 64. The study of plate tectonics is most associated with which physical feature throughout Earth s history? A. lakes B. faults C. rivers 65. Which method of radioactive dating would be most useful in determining the age of a human fossil? A. carbon 14 method B. uranium lead method C. potassium argon method D. rubidium strontium method 66. Which method would be best for scientists to use to determine the absolute age of a Precambrian igneous rock? A. index fossils B. law of superposition C. radiometric dating D. law of original horizontality 67. The half life of potassium 40 is 1.3 billion years. An igneous rock is found with 25% potassium 40. What is the absolute age of this rock? A. 1.3 billion years B. 2.6 billion years C. 3.9 billion years D. 5.2 billion years 68. Which best explains how thrust faults appear to violate the law of superposition? A. Older layers of rock are moved onto younger layers of rock. B. Younger layers of rock are moved onto older layers of rock. C. Less dense layers of rock are moved onto more dense layers of rock. D. More dense layers of rock are moved onto less dense layers of rock. EARTH HISTORY Page 21 of 69

22 69. Which best describes the process of igneous rock formation? A. Igneous rocks form from the weathering and erosion of other rocks. B. Igneous rocks form from the compaction and cementation of sediments. C. Igneous rocks form from the effects of heat and pressure on other rocks. D. Igneous rocks form from the cooling of magma inside the Earth and the cooling of lava on the surface of the Earth. 70. Scientists studied the teeth on the fossils of an ancient fish. The oldest fossils indicate the fish mostly ate plankton. The teeth on more recent fossils indicate the fish began to eat larger plants. Which hypothesis does this observation best support? A. Over time, the fish grew considerably in size. B. Over time, the fish occupied different ecological niches. C. Over time, the fish changed from living in saltwater to living in freshwater. D. Over time, the fish changed from a primary consumer to a secondary consumer. 71. Which best describes the criteria necessary for a fossil to be used as an index fossil? A. The fossil must be from a mammal. B. The fossil must be found both in rock layers on the land and in rock layers under the oceans. C. The fossil must be found in areas on Earth and must be from an organism that lived for a relatively short time span. D. The fossil must be found in at least three different types of sedimentary rock layers and at least two different types of igneous rock layers. EARTH HISTORY Page 22 of 69

23 72. When two fish die, Fish A sinks to the bottom of a lake and Fish B washes up on the rocky lake shore. Why is a fossil more likely to form from the body of Fish A than from the body of Fish B? A. Soft parts of the fish will decay more quickly in the water. B. Sediments in the water will quickly cover the fish. C. Scavengers in the water will eat the remains of the fish. D. Currents in the water will move the fish. 73. Paleontologists construct a model of a dinosaur from its fossil bones and teeth. The fossil bones and teeth can help the paleontologists to infer all of the following about the dinosaur except A. height of the dinosaur. B. type of food the dinosaur ate. C. length of the dinosaur. D. skin color of the dinosaur. 74. Rich beds of marine fossils have been found in Florida. By dating these fossils, scientists can best determine A. when Florida collided with the North American continent. B. the date when organisms moved onto dry land. C. the period during which Florida was covered in water. D. when the atmosphere of Earth was more humid than it is today. EARTH HISTORY Page 23 of 69

24 75. This photograph of a canyon wall shows several layers as indicated by the arrows. Which distinction between these rock layers is indicated by the relative positions of the rock layers in the canyon wall? A. their composition B. their rate of erosion C. which types of organisms can live among them D. which forces of erosion are acting on them 76. Which makes a good index fossil? A. a fossil not commonly found in rocks B. a fossil that lived throughout geologic time C. a fossil that lived during three geologic time periods D. a fossil that lived during only one geologic time period 77. A sample of soil contains many igneous rocks. Which feature was most likely nearby? A. river B. forest C. desert D. volcano EARTH HISTORY Page 24 of 69

25 78. By which method have scientists determined that the Earth is about 4.5 billion years old? A. plate tectonics B. relative dating C. radioactive dating D. law of superposition 79. What type of rock most likely contains index fossils? A. metamorphic B. sedimentary C. intrusive igneous D. extrusive igneous 80. Which of these provides the best evidence that the distribution of Earth s oceans has changed over time? A. hot spots on ocean floors B. seismic activity along plate boundaries C. sediment buildup on continental slope D. marine fossils found on land masses 81. Which best explains the significance of the trilobite as an index fossil? A. They were the first fossils to be discovered. B. They are fossils that represent many different life forms. C. They were the only fossils found outside the United States. D. They are fossils that indicate a certain era in geologic time. 82. Which best describes a fossil that helps determine the relative age of a rock layer? A. trace fossil B. index fossil C. radioactive fossil D. unconformity fossil EARTH HISTORY Page 25 of 69

26 83. Which environmental condition most likely existed at the time a fossil formed? A. Organism remains were deposited in an area of open space. B. Organism remains were covered by lava flow. C. Organism remains were buried with little oxygen. D. Organism remains were buried in an area where a lot of erosion occurred. 84. Which part of Earth s history is best shown by analysis of ice cores? A. changes in climate B. changes in plant growth C. changes in the amounts of precipitation D. changes in the formation of rock layers 85. Which characteristic of carbon 14 dating helps scientists determine the approximate time a species became extinct? A. Carbon 14 is not present in more recent fossils. B. Carbon 14 increases at a constant rate over time. C. Carbon 14 decreases at a constant rate over time. D. Carbon 14 can only be found in fossils of a certain period. 86. What is the relative age of an igneous rock intrusion between domed layers of sedimentary rock? A. It is older than the sedimentary rock. B. It is younger than the sedimentary rock. C. It is the same age as the sedimentary rock. EARTH HISTORY Page 26 of 69

27 87. The diagram below shows several sedimentary rock layers containing index fossils. Which layer contains the oldest fossils? A. Layer 1 B. Layer 2 C. Layer 3 D. Layer Researchers are investigating whether dinosaurs were endothermic like birds. Which evidence from the fossil record could be effectively compared with modern day evidence to support this hypothesis? A. similarities in bone structure B. seasonal shifts in food supply C. consumption of the same plant species D. tree rings indicating the return of a similar climate EARTH HISTORY Page 27 of 69

28 89. Four sedimentary rock layers are cut by an igneous rock intrusion as shown below. Which best describes the relative age of the igneous rock intrusion in comparison to the ages of the four sedimentary rock layers? A. The igneous rock intrusion is older than sedimentary rock layers W, X, Y, and Z. B. The igneous rock intrusion is younger than sedimentary rock layers W, X, Y, and Z. C. The igneous rock intrusion is older than sedimentary rock layer W and younger than sedimentary rock layers X, Y, and Z. D. The igneous rock intrusion is younger than sedimentary rock layer W and older than sedimentary rock layers X, Y, and Z. 90. What evidence do fossils provide geologists about the history of the Earth? A. Living things have remained the same over time. B. Environmental conditions have changed over time. C. The amount of water on Earth has changed over time. D. Environmental conditions have remained the same over time. EARTH HISTORY Page 28 of 69

29 91. A sedimentary rock found in a hillside is identified as sandstone. Which can most likely be concluded about the hillside? A. The hillside was once a volcano. B. The region was once covered with water. C. There were no living organisms that ever lived near the hillside. D. Heat and pressure inside the earth helped form the rock layers of the region. 92. The K T boundary is the geologic stratum that separates the Cretaceous period, which ended sixty five million years ago with the extinction of the dinosaurs, from the Tertiary period. A student reads the following statement: Despite the fact that iridium is much less abundant on Earth than gold, clay located at the K T boundary contains at least twice as much iridium as gold. How does this statement support the theory that an asteroid impacted Earth about sixty five million years ago? A. by supporting the hypothesis that an asteroid impact would change Earth s climate B. by providing evidence that the iridium was toxic to the species on Earth at that time C. by providing evidence that the iridium came from a source outside the Earth system D. by supporting the hypothesis that an asteroid impact would alter Earth s landmass 93. The diagram represents fossils found in sedimentary rocks. Fossils in Sedimentary Layers Fossil Age Fossil Name Fossil Description 12 thousand years Mammoth long haired mammal, terrestrial 220 million years Archaeopteryx reptile like bird, terrestrial 480 million years Isotelus insect like arthropod, marine Describe the environment in which the mammoth most likely lived. Describe how the climate most likely changed between 220 million and 12 thousand years ago. Explain the most likely effect of the climate change on the environment. Explain what most likely happened to the archaeopteryx as a result of the change in climate. 94. Which statement below best explains why several fossils of sea organisms were discovered buried deep in an area of dry land? A. The fossils changed locations. B. The area had a shift in climate. C. The land was once underwater. D. A glacier once covered the area. EARTH HISTORY Page 29 of 69

30 95. A paleontologist observes similar reptiles in the same rock layers in a cliff and none in rock layers above. Which is the most likely explanation from this observation? A. The continents separated. B. The reptiles moved to a new area. C. The reptiles evolved into a new species. 96. The diagram below shows the Earth s crustal plates. Which term describes the hot, soft layer of rock on which tectonic plates move? A. asthenosphere B. hemisphere C. lithosphere EARTH HISTORY Page 30 of 69

31 97. The Key Largo limestone makes up the islands of the Florida Keys. This rock layer formed between 2 million years ago and 10,000 years ago. It is composed of fossil coral, marine plant fossils, and fossil invertebrate shells. Which statement correctly explains why this rock layer is now above sea level? A. Earth s climate was colder at times during the past 2 million years. B. Earth s climate was warmer at times during the past 2 million years. C. It has been pushed above sea level by volcanic activity during the past 2000 years. D. It has been pushed above sea level by tectonic plate activity during the past 2000 years. 98. Which is most likely to provide information about the Earth s past climates? A. ice cores B. volcanoes C. fossil record 99. Throughout Earth s history, there have been fractures in rock formations caused by shifting of the crust. What are these called? A. dikes B. sills C. faults 100. Why are fossils most likely found in sedimentary rock samples? A. More plants and animal species grow on sedimentary rocks. B. Sedimentary rocks preserve fossils with intense heat and pressure. C. Sedimentary rocks are formed in layers that trap the material for fossilization. D. Sedimentary rocks are much stronger than igneous or metamorphic rocks and protect the samples Which is the most accurate method scientists can use to estimate Earth s age? A. relativism B. superposition C. relative dating D. radioactive dating EARTH HISTORY Page 31 of 69

32 102. Why are sedimentary rocks more useful than other rocks for finding evidence of the Earth s history? A. High heat melts the rock, trapping fossils inside. B. Minerals left behind by moving water seal and protect fossil remains. C. The composition of sedimentary rocks prevents them from being weathered and eroded. D. The composition of sedimentary rocks protects the fossils and prevents them from being melted by magma The diagram shows where fossils of two organisms were found in rock layers. Which conclusion does this diagram best support? A. The earthquake that caused the fault most likely killed both organisms because the fossils formed during the time of the earthquake. B. The fault formed while Organism X was living and after Organism Y had died because the fault is located between the two fossils. C. Both organisms lived at the same time because the fossils they formed were found in rock layers of about the same depth. D. Organism Y lived before Organism X because Organism Y was found in an older rock layer How can scientists best determine when an ancient species became extinct? A. by analyzing the DNA of the species B. by examining existing species with similar traits C. by studying the history of meteor collisions with Earth D. by organizing the rock layers in which the fossils were found EARTH HISTORY Page 32 of 69

33 105. A geologist uncovered a fossil while digging in the side of a hill. He hypothesized that it was most likely from the end of the Paleozoic Era or the beginning of the Mesozoic Era. How old would the fossil have to be dated in order to support his hypothesis? A. 100 million years old B. 225 million years old C. 400 million years old D. 550 million years old 106. In what type of rock is an index fossil most likely found? A. igneous B. volcanic C. sedimentary D. metamorphic 107. Radioactive dating is used to study which element in igneous and metamorphic rocks? A. carbon B. krypton C. uranium EARTH HISTORY Page 33 of 69

34 108. Which of these provides the best evidence that the environment of Earth has changed over millions of years? A. active migration of sand dunes B. polished appearance of rock surfaces C. marine fossils found in mountains D. bones of animals found on the ground 109. The diagram below shows the rock layers found in a particular area. Which conclusion could a scientist make about the area by looking at the diagram? A. The rock layers cannot contain any fossils because they would have been destroyed by the magma flows. B. The rock layers are broken by many fault lines, and earthquakes have occurred here frequently throughout history. C. The numerous igneous intrusions are relatively young layers in the area, and are pushing through much older rock layers. D. The numerous igneous intrusions are relatively old layers in the area, and prove the volcano has existed for millions of years Radioactive dating is used to study which element in igneous and metamorphic rocks? A. barium B. krypton C. uranium EARTH HISTORY Page 34 of 69

35 111. Which is the best example of an index fossil? A. corals found in rock layers worldwide B. dinosaur bones found only in Australia C. footprints of different types of dinosaurs D. casts of bird feathers found in all layers of rock in an area 112. This picture shows the supercontinent of Pangaea. Which best describes the pattern of movement indicated by the first split in Pangaea? A. The first split was east from west. B. The first split was north from south. C. The first split was a shattering breakup into many pieces. EARTH HISTORY Page 35 of 69

36 113. Through relative dating, a geologist finds a fossil that is approximately 10,000 years old. Which radioactive element would the geologist most likely use to accurately calculate the fossil s age? A. gallium 67 with a half life of 78 hours B. carbon 14 with a half life of 5,700 years C. plutonium 238 with a half life of 88 years D. iodine 129 with a half life of 16 million years 114. Paleontologists have found hundreds of fossils of tropical plants in cool, dry areas of North America. Which is most likely indicated by fossil discoveries like these? A. Glacial movement carried fossils to different places. B. Some tropical plants can grow in moderate climates. C. The climate in different areas on Earth has changed over time. D. Ancient people carried plants with them as they traveled to new locations A habitat from the geologic past is being reconstructed. A researcher hypothesizes that the area was inhabited by small rodents. Which discovery would most likely cause the researcher to change the hypothesis? A. different soil layers B. fossils of marine organisms C. bones of small animals D. evidence of sandstone formation EARTH HISTORY Page 36 of 69

37 116. Which type of rock forms from the cooling of lava? A. igneous B. limestone C. sandstone D. metamorphic 117. In 1785, James Hutton, stated that evidence of past occurrences can be used to explain events which happen today. Which could most likely be used to explain an event in the geologic past? A. sunspots B. earthquakes C. wave patterns D. cloud formations 118. Which is the best evidence that Earth went through an Ice Age? A. Sea levels were lower in the past than they are now. B. Rocks were deposited by glaciers in now temperate areas. C. River meanders were created by melted water from glaciers Which technique best helps scientists determine the age of our solar system? A. using relative dating techniques on layers of Earth rocks B. comparing the fossils found in the oldest Earth rocks C. creating computer models to predict the formation of Moon and Earth rocks D. using radioactive decay to calculate the ages of Moon and Earth rocks EARTH HISTORY Page 37 of 69

38 120. The diagram below shows fossil samples found in four layers of sedimentary rock. Which can most likely be concluded about the area where the samples were found? A. It is a desert. B. It is a mountainous region. C. It was once covered by water. D. It was formed millions of years ago. EARTH HISTORY Page 38 of 69

39 121. The diagram shows the front limbs of four different members of the horse family, based on the fossil record. They are arranged from the oldest to the most recent. Which best describes how the front limbs of horses have changed over time? A. They have gained additional toes. B. The bones have become stronger. C. The toes have reduced in number. D. The bones have become shorter The index fossil of a type of trilobite is discovered in layer A of a set of rock layers found at three different sites of a field investigation. Which conclusion can be made about the rocks in layer A at all three sites? A. The rocks are all different ages. B. The rocks are all about the same age. C. The rocks were formed by melting magma. D. The rocks were formed during a catastrophic event On a geological dig, two fossil samples were found in different rock layers in the same area. One fossil was found in a rock layer that was located below the other. Which can be concluded about the relative ages of the fossils? A. The fossil found in the lower layer is older than the one found above it. B. The fossils were found in the same area, so they are the exact same age. C. The fossil found in the lower layer is younger than the one found above it. D. The fossils are different ages, but it cannot be determined which is older or younger. EARTH HISTORY Page 39 of 69

40 124. Studies of snail fossils in Egypt indicate that areas of Egypt that are now desert were once thriving savannahs approximately 130,000 years ago. What does the presence of these fossils indicate about the area of Egypt that was thriving 130,000 years ago? A. There was more humidity in the air. B. There were fewer nutrients in the soil. C. There was more snowfall in the region. D. There was less solar radiation in the region Structural geologists study rock formations to determine the type of environment in which the rocks formed and the events that shaped the rocks. Paleontologists study fossils found in rock formations. Scientists in both these fields have a common interest in discovering the A. history and processes of Earth. B. elements that make up the crust. C. types of minerals that make up sediments. D. relationships between Earth and other planets The diagram shows a cross section of several rock layers and geological features. Based on the diagram, which is true? A. Layer U is the oldest. B. Layer Z is the youngest. C. Layer T is older than layer S. D. Layer X is older than layer Y. EARTH HISTORY Page 40 of 69

41 127. Why are index fossils good clues for identifying when rocks were formed? A. They are easy to form in rock. B. They are difficult to form in rock. C. They only existed during specific periods of time Scientists have identified four sedimentary rock layers from an archaeological dig as shown below. Which is most likely the oldest sedimentary rock layer? A. Layer R B. Layer S C. Layer T D. Layer U 129. Which process would be most effective in determining the age of fossils embedded in rock? A. relative dating B. absolute dating C. use of index fossils D. use of core sampling EARTH HISTORY Page 41 of 69

42 130. The diagram shows carbon dioxide levels preserved in an ice core. Which layer of the ice core shows the highest concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D Which is used to find the relative age of a rock? A. composition of rock layers B. position of rock layers C. carbon 14 dating D. uranium dating EARTH HISTORY Page 42 of 69

43 132. How are sedimentary rocks formed? A. by hardening and cementing of layers of sediment B. by fossils getting buried in various layers of sediment C. by cooling and hardening of hot molten rock from inside the Earth 133. Many fossils of large amphibians were found in an area that is currently barren desert. Which is most likely true? A. The climate of the area was once much wetter than it is now. B. Amphibians were once better at surviving in dry environments. C. The amphibians migrated there after a catastrophic event destroyed their habitats. D. The amphibians are not native to the area and their bones were brought there by other animals Why are index fossils used as guides to determine the age of rocks? A. Each index fossil lived during a specific geologic time period. B. All index fossils lived during all the periods of geologic time. C. Index fossils are very rare and are not commonly found in rocks Geologists are conducting research in Hawaii. Which rock will be most abundant? A. igneous B. sedimentary C. metamorphic 136. Which is the most likely reason scientists would want to analyze the air trapped in an ice core? A. to study how much oxygen was in the ice B. to learn how the atmosphere changed over time C. to determine how many gas bubbles were present in the air D. to study how many animals lived on Earth when the ice was formed EARTH HISTORY Page 43 of 69

44 137. Scientists estimate that if index fossils were deposited during a certain time frame, then the entire rock layer was also deposited at the same time. A scientist finds Trophite fossils. According to the chart above, in what era and period was this rock layer deposited? A. Cenozoic Era; Tertiary Period B. Mesozoic Era; Triassic Period C. Paleozoic Era; Permian Period D. Paleozoic Era; Mississippian Period 138. Which statement is true? A. The oldest layers of rock and soil are closest to the surface of the earth. B. The youngest layers of rock and soil are farther away from the surface of the earth. C. Carbon 14 dating is an example of relative dating, and the law of superposition is an example of absolute dating. D. Absolute geologic dating and relative geologic dating are two methods used by scientists to determine the age of geologic evidence. EARTH HISTORY Page 44 of 69

45 139. Sedimentary rock layers are typically deposited horizontally, with each successive layer deposited on top of the previous layer. Which best describes how a fault will affect the appearance of horizontal sedimentary rock layers? A. The sedimentary rock layers will appear thicker due to a fault. B. The sedimentary rock layers will appear thinner due to a fault. C. The sedimentary rock layers will shift to vertical alignment due to a fault. D. The sedimentary rock layers will appear broken and shifted due to a fault A section of a rock layer is shown. The evidence in these rock layers best supports which conclusion? A. The oldest fossils in this section of rock are trilobites. B. Eurypterids are related to modern day scorpions and crabs. C. Eurypterids were the least common type of organism in this section of rock. D. There is some overlap in the presence of brachiopods and ammonites on Earth Which country would be most likely to provide ice cores that could be used to provide evidence for climate change? A. Greenland B. Italy C. Peru EARTH HISTORY Page 45 of 69

46 142. Where is evidence most often found to represent a record of Earth s history? A. air, lava, and fossils B. water, air, and rocks C. lava, water, and ice cores D. rocks, fossils, and ice cores 143. Which describes the best use of carbon 14 in collecting geologic evidence? A. to compare the decay of uranium to lead B. to date artifacts less than 50,000 years old C. to date sedimentary rock layers D. to identify index fossils 144. A cliff of undisturbed rock layers has a layer of sandstone containing a reptile fossil above a limestone layer. The limestone layer is above a layer of shale. Which describes the most likely geologic history of the area? A. The area was first a marsh environment, then an ocean, and lastly a desert environment. B. The area was first a desert environment, then a marsh, and lastly an ocean environment. C. The area was first an ocean environment, then a marsh, and lastly a desert environment. D. The area was first a desert environment, then an ocean, and lastly a marsh environment What can be used to find the exact age of a rock specimen? A. ice cores B. index fossils C. radioactive dating EARTH HISTORY Page 46 of 69

47 146. According to the fossil record, the first horses were smaller than modern species. Throughout time, horses have gradually changed A. to become better hunters. B. in order to re populate the Earth. C. in response to an altering environment. D. to become useful for humans Which type of rock replaces bone and other hard organic materials to create rock molds of fossils? A. metamorphic B. sedimentary C. extrusive igneous 148. In a rock cliff, the rock layers run straight across and then jump up a foot and then run straight across again. What could have most likely caused this? A. deposition B. erosion C. fault EARTH HISTORY Page 47 of 69

48 149. The diagram below shows two sections of rock layers found several miles apart. Based upon the information in the diagram, which conclusion can best be made? A. The rock layers contained fossils identical to each other. B. Rock layers are laid down from the youngest to the oldest. C. Rock layers containing similar fossils were formed at the same time Several dinosaur bones are discovered buried in volcanic ash. The type of dinosaur can best be identified by A. knowing the location where the fossils were found. B. establishing an inventory of bones collected. C. comparing to characteristics of known dinosaurs. D. knowing the absolute age of the fossils What method do scientists most often use in determining the age of the Earth? A. comparing the amount of uranium remaining and the amount of lead formed in radioactive dating of rock layers B. counting the number of sedimentary rock layers in the Earth s crust C. observing folds, plate shifting, and unconformities in rock layers D. using index fossils to determine the age of rock layers EARTH HISTORY Page 48 of 69

49 152. Which data is most likely to be obtained by studying ice cores? A. minerals found in the geosphere B. amount of water in the hydrosphere C. oxygen concentration in the atmosphere 153. Petrified palm trees are found in sedimentary rock near glaciers. The presence of the petrified palm trees most likely provides evidence for which statement? A. There was once more water in the area. B. The area was once grassland. C. The climate in the area was once tropical. D. There are active faults in the area Why are fossils commonly found in sedimentary rocks but not in igneous rocks? A. Igneous rocks are formed after sedimentary rocks. B. Igneous rocks are not deposited like sedimentary rocks. C. Igneous rocks are made up of harder minerals than sedimentary rock. D. Igneous rocks are formed from molten rock, while sedimentary rocks are formed from compacted sediments The graph shows possible changes to sea level over geologic time. What did scientists most likely study to construct this graph? A. molten magma B. extrusive igneous rocks C. sedimentary layers D. foliated metamorphic rocks EARTH HISTORY Page 49 of 69