Patterns and Fossils
Help Questions
4th Grade Science › Patterns and Fossils
True or False: The photo below depicts no changes to the rock layers over time.

True
False
Explanation
The section of rock that is the oldest is at the bottom of the formation. The graphic shown has a change in color as the rock formation changes in age. The darkest portion at the bottom is the oldest; then it gets lighter as the rock gets newer; the newest part is the orange/tan section at the top. Each layer of rock has been exposed, weathered, and eroded over time. The statement in the question is false; this rock formation depicts changes over time.
Jihoon claims that changes to a landscape are only visible above ground. Elicia tells Jihoon that he is wrong because we can see changes to landscapes both above and below ground. Which of the following statements is the BEST support for Elicia’s thinking?

It is difficult to observe changes to landscapes from the underground.
Underground changes to landscapes can be evidenced in caves and underwater trenches.
The landscape cannot change if it isn’t exposed to oxygen.
None of these statements could be used as an argument for Elicia’s claim.
Explanation
Changes to landscapes are most commonly viewed above ground; however, they are also visible underground. As shown in the picture, changes can be seen underground in the form of rocky trenches caused by tectonic plate movement, altering the topography of the ocean floor. Another way changes to landscapes can be observed underground is by studying caves and their slowly growing stalagmites, sinkholes, and shifts in their soluble rocks.
True or False: The photo below depicts no changes to the rock layers over time.

True
False
Explanation
The section of rock that is the oldest is at the bottom of the formation. The graphic shown has a change in color as the rock formation changes in age. The darkest portion at the bottom is the oldest; then it gets lighter as the rock gets newer; the newest part is the orange/tan section at the top. Each layer of rock has been exposed, weathered, and eroded over time. The statement in the question is false; this rock formation depicts changes over time.
What factors affect how landscapes change?
Human activity
Temperature
Moisture
All of these are factors in changing a landscape
Explanation
Many factors go into changing a landscape, and some will accelerate the process while others will slow it down. Moisture, human activity, and temperature are all factors that will affect how a landscape changes or is formed. Regularly being beaten down by the wind, water, the hot sun, frigid temperatures, and human construction will change the landscape. As water rushes through the base of a canyon, it is breaking apart the rock and moving it. Sand striking the cliffs on a shoreline will tear it apart grain by grain. Water seeping into rocks and then freezing and unfreezing will eventually break the rocks apart. These factors make changes to the landscape.
Jihoon claims that changes to a landscape are only visible above ground. Elicia tells Jihoon that he is wrong because we can see changes to landscapes both above and below ground. Which of the following statements is the BEST support for Elicia’s thinking?

It is difficult to observe changes to landscapes from the underground.
Underground changes to landscapes can be evidenced in caves and underwater trenches.
The landscape cannot change if it isn’t exposed to oxygen.
None of these statements could be used as an argument for Elicia’s claim.
Explanation
Changes to landscapes are most commonly viewed above ground; however, they are also visible underground. As shown in the picture, changes can be seen underground in the form of rocky trenches caused by tectonic plate movement, altering the topography of the ocean floor. Another way changes to landscapes can be observed underground is by studying caves and their slowly growing stalagmites, sinkholes, and shifts in their soluble rocks.
What patterns of change are noticeable in the graphic of the rock formation below?

The colors of the rock get darker as the rock formation progresses upwards.
The colors of the rock get lighter as the rock formation progresses upwards.
The rock formation gets rougher as it progresses upwards.
The rock formation gets smoother as it progresses upwards.
Explanation
This is a graphic of a canyon, which is a type of rock formation. Changes can be noticed in the formation as it progresses upwards. The colors are light, almost gray color towards the bottom of the canyon closest to the water. The canyon is darker and burnt orange as it moves upwards. As the canyon changes in age, it also changes in colors. A canyon like the one pictured is an obvious way to see how the Earth has changed over the years.
True or False: Scientists study the rock formations (like in the picture below) looking for patterns to determine how the Earth has changed over time.

True
False
Explanation
This is a graphic of a canyon, which is a type of rock formation. Changes can be noticed in the formation as it progresses upwards. The colors are light, almost gray color towards the bottom of the canyon closest to the water. The canyon is darker and burnt orange as it moves upwards. As the canyon changes in age, it also changes in colors. A canyon like the one pictured is an obvious way to see how the Earth has changed over the years. Scientists look for these changes and study how the Earth has changed over time.
Which section of this rock formation would be the oldest?

The bottom layer is the oldest.
The top layer is the oldest.
The middle layer is the oldest.
The oldest layer no longer exists.
Explanation
The section of rock that is the oldest is at the bottom of the formation. The graphic shown has a change in color as the rock formation changes in age. The darkest portion at the bottom is the oldest; then it gets lighter as the rock gets newer, the newest portion is the orange/tan section at the top. Each layer of rock has been exposed, weathered, and eroded over time.
What factors affect how landscapes change?
Human activity
Temperature
Moisture
All of these are factors in changing a landscape
Explanation
Many factors go into changing a landscape, and some will accelerate the process while others will slow it down. Moisture, human activity, and temperature are all factors that will affect how a landscape changes or is formed. Regularly being beaten down by the wind, water, the hot sun, frigid temperatures, and human construction will change the landscape. As water rushes through the base of a canyon, it is breaking apart the rock and moving it. Sand striking the cliffs on a shoreline will tear it apart grain by grain. Water seeping into rocks and then freezing and unfreezing will eventually break the rocks apart. These factors make changes to the landscape.
Which section of this rock formation would be the oldest?

The bottom layer is the oldest.
The top layer is the oldest.
The middle layer is the oldest.
The oldest layer no longer exists.
Explanation
The section of rock that is the oldest is at the bottom of the formation. The graphic shown has a change in color as the rock formation changes in age. The darkest portion at the bottom is the oldest; then it gets lighter as the rock gets newer, the newest portion is the orange/tan section at the top. Each layer of rock has been exposed, weathered, and eroded over time.