Identify patterns of change in fossils and rock layers

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4th Grade Science › Identify patterns of change in fossils and rock layers

Questions 1 - 10
1

Which section of this rock formation would be the oldest?

Cyprus, Cavo Greko, Sea Caves, Window

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.

2

True or False: The photo below depicts no changes to the rock layers over time.

Screen shot 2020 09 14 at 11.52.01 am

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.

3

In which of Earth's layer would there most likely be a yellow shade of rock?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 2.18.19 pm

Basalt

Granite

Sandstone

Limestone

Explanation

This data table provides information about the different characteristics of each of Earth's layers. Each layer has individual features and changes the patterns and appearance of the rock formations. The only layer which has a yellow color is made of sandstone. Using the process of elimination, this could be determined from the table.

4

Which section of this rock formation would be the newest?

Screen shot 2020 08 27 at 4.00.07 pm

Siltstone

Limestone

Basalt Dike

Sandstone

Slate

Explanation

The section of rock at the top of the formation would be the newest or youngest stone. The oldest layers start at the bottom, and they are more recent (younger) as they move upwards.

5

In which of Earth's layer would there most likely be a cylindrical shaped particles of rock?

Screen shot 2020 09 14 at 12.42.17 pm

Terrestrial animal fossils

Shale

Sandstone

Granite

Aquatic animal fossils

Explanation

This data table provides information about the different characteristics of each of Earth's layers. Each layer has individual features and changes the patterns and appearance of the rock formations. The only layer which has cylindrical shaped particles of rock is made of terrestrial animal fossils. Using the process of elimination, this could be determined from the table.

6

Which answer choice has the rock layers listed in the correct order from oldest to newest?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 4.11.39 pm

A, B, C, D, E, F, G

A, B, C, G, F, D, E

F, G, A, B, C, E, D

G, F, E, D, C, B, A

Explanation

The rock layers change through the years, and their location within the formation can assist scientists and researchers learn how old each layer is. The oldest layers are at the bottom of the structure, and the newest layers are at the top. The correct order is G, F, E, D, C, B, A.

7

True or False: The marine fossils pictured below were found in an inland desert. This proves that the environment has changed over time.

Screen shot 2020 09 14 at 12.53.08 pm

True

False

Explanation

Fossils are a good representation of what the environment was at the time the organism died. If these fossils are of marine creatures, that means they were living in an area that was underwater or near the water. The site is currently described as an inland desert, so the environment has changed over time, making the statement correct.

8

Which section of this rock formation would be the oldest?

Screen shot 2020 09 14 at 1.00.01 pm

Section G

Section D

Section A

Section C

Explanation

The rock layers change through the years, and their location within the formation can assist scientists and researchers learn how old each layer is. The oldest layers are at the bottom of the structure, and the newest layers are at the top. Section G is the oldest layer of the rock.

9

Mrs. Elsa claims that the graphic shown below demonstrates a change in the rock layers. She says that they should be lined up with the same color in each row but there has been a shift.

Which natural disaster could cause this change in rock layers that would support Mrs. Elsa's claim?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 3.41.22 pm

Tornado

Earthquake

Hurricane

Typhoon

Explanation

Mrs. Elsa is correct, and the graphic supports her claim. The rock layers should be lined up where the same colors are next to each other, but there has been a shift in the layers caused by an earthquake. When an earthquake shakes the rock formations, the layers are shifted, and there is a disruption in their pattern. This cannot be reversed. It provides scientists with evidence that there was once an earthquake in this area and gives them useful information.

10

These fossils were found in the Earth's layer made of what type of rock?

Fossil, Museum, Ammonite. Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 2.18.19 pm

Shale

Limestone

Terrestrial (land) animal fossils

Aquatic (water) animal fossils

Explanation

These are fossils of shells leftover from aquatic creatures, so they would be found in the marine (water) animal layer. They would not be found where land animals lived or in areas of magma or volcanic ash. There are changes in fossils depending on their location and which Earth layer they are located in.

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