The diagram shows different layers of sedimentary rock. Each layer is labeled with a letter.
The geologic map below shows several rock formations exposed when a road is cut through a hillside.
Which formation in this geological map is youngest?
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
Which of these provides the BEST evidence that the distribution of Earth’s oceans has changed over time?
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?
Which method would be BEST for scientists to use to determine the absolute age of a Precambrian igneous rock?
A teacher gave students this diagram of rock layers. The teacher directed the students to determine the relative age of each rock layer based only on the information presented in the diagram.
Which method can BEST be used by the students to determine the relative age of these layers?
Which environmental condition MOST likely existed at the time a fossil formed?
Certain fossils can be used to help determine the age of the rock layer in which the fossils are found. Which type of fossil is BEST to use when making this determination?
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?
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?
Trilobites are extinct animals that lived in the oceans. Fossils of these animals can be found in dry areas such as Cincinnati. What does this indicate?
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 student has made the geologic column that you see here.
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?
Scientists are able to conclude that a forested ecosystem existed in Antarctica millions of years ago by studying:
Several dinosaur bones are discovered buried in volcanic ash. The type of dinosaur can BEST be identified by
Which statement best describes the Law of Superposition?
How do scientists know that some mountains were once at the bottom of an ocean?
What do earthquakes tell scientists about the history of the planet?