Lab Assessment For Unit 3 Fossil Record
This is designed to assess how well the students understand the relationship of geologic time periods, fossil record and evolution
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The Devonian Period was called
- A.
The age of oceans
- B.
The age of fishes
- C.
The age of dinosaurs
- D.
The age of corals
Correct Answer
B. The age of fishesExplanation
During the Devonian Period, which occurred approximately 419.2 to 358.9 million years ago, there was a significant diversification and evolution of fish species. This period is often referred to as the "age of fishes" because it marked the emergence of various types of fish, including jawed and armored fish. This period played a crucial role in the evolution of vertebrates, as fish became the dominant marine organisms during this time. The Devonian Period is known for its rich fossil record of fish, making it aptly named as the "age of fishes."Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following would NOT be a possible hypothesis for why horn corals developed that shape as an adaptation:
- A.
To gather more floating food - planktons
- B.
To have more of their surface exposed to sunlight
- C.
To be streamlined so water can flow around them
- D.
To attract another coral to mate with
Correct Answer
D. To attract another coral to mate withExplanation
The given answer, "to attract another coral to mate with," would not be a possible hypothesis for why horn corals developed their shape as an adaptation. This is because corals reproduce through a process called spawning, where they release eggs and sperm into the water to be fertilized externally. They do not rely on physical attraction or mating behaviors like some other animals do. Therefore, this hypothesis does not align with the reproductive biology of corals.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Brachiopod fossils have the same body plan as which of the following organisms
- A.
Squid
- B.
Fish
- C.
Clam
- D.
Earth worm
Correct Answer
C. ClamExplanation
Brachiopod fossils have the same body plan as clams. Brachiopods are marine animals that have a two-part shell, similar to clams. They have a hinge that allows them to open and close their shells, just like clams. Brachiopods also have a muscular foot that they use to attach themselves to a substrate, similar to how clams use their foot to burrow into the sand. Both brachiopods and clams are filter feeders, meaning they obtain their food by filtering particles from the water. Therefore, the correct answer is clam.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The word EXTANT means
- A.
Not living any more
- B.
Currently found on the Earth
- C.
Super sized
- D.
Slow
Correct Answer
B. Currently found on the EarthExplanation
The word "extant" refers to something that is currently found on the Earth. It does not imply whether the subject is living or not, but rather emphasizes its existence in the present.Rate this question:
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- 5.
One possible explanation of why fresh water Devonian fish developed armor plated scales, spines and sharp teeth is because:
- A.
The water temperature got colder during this time
- B.
Their food supply started to fight back
- C.
There were bigger, more aggressive predators
- D.
It looked impressive
- E.
Both B and C
Correct Answer
E. Both B and CExplanation
During the Devonian period, the water temperature got colder, which could have led to the development of armor plated scales, spines, and sharp teeth in fresh water fish. Additionally, their food supply starting to fight back and the presence of bigger, more aggressive predators could have also contributed to the evolution of these defensive and offensive adaptations. Therefore, the correct answer is both B and C.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following can scientists not learn by studying fossils:
- A.
The body plan of the organism
- B.
The color of the organism
- C.
The time period that the organism lived
- D.
The size of the organism
Correct Answer
B. The color of the organismExplanation
Scientists cannot learn the color of an organism by studying fossils because color is not preserved in the fossil record. Fossils are formed through the process of mineralization, where the organic material of an organism is replaced by minerals over time. This process does not preserve the pigments responsible for coloration. Therefore, scientists rely on other methods, such as studying living relatives or analyzing the chemical composition of fossils, to infer the possible colors of extinct organisms.Rate this question:
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- 7.
There are shark fossils in the shale we see along the Rocky River in the Metroparks. Which of the following best explains how this is possible.
- A.
The continents have always been in the same place, so the oceans must have been deeper and covered Ohio during the time the sharks lived here
- B.
During the time period that the fossils layer was created, the land that is now Ohio was closer to the equator and covered by a warm ocean
- C.
Lake Erie used to be larger and the sharks swam up the St. Lawrence seaway and lived in the lake
- D.
Ice age hunters trapped sharks in the ocean and brought them to Ohio as a food source
Correct Answer
B. During the time period that the fossils layer was created, the land that is now Ohio was closer to the equator and covered by a warm oceanExplanation
During the time period that the fossil layer was created, the land that is now Ohio was closer to the equator and covered by a warm ocean. This explanation suggests that the presence of shark fossils in the shale along the Rocky River in the Metroparks is due to the geological history of the area. The land that is now Ohio was once located closer to the equator, which means it would have had a warmer climate and been covered by a shallow, warm ocean. This would have provided a suitable habitat for sharks to live and eventually fossilize in the shale.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The Megaladon was possibly the size of
- A.
A nuclear submarine
- B.
A Hummer
- C.
A RTA bus
- D.
A typical high school student
Correct Answer
C. A RTA busExplanation
The Megalodon was possibly the size of an RTA bus. The Megalodon was a prehistoric shark that lived millions of years ago and is believed to have been one of the largest and most powerful predators to have ever existed. Fossils suggest that the Megalodon could grow up to 60 feet in length, which is comparable to the size of an RTA bus. Its massive size and strong jaws made it a formidable hunter in the ancient oceans.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following is NOT evidence that the continents were connected at different times in the history of the Earth
- A.
Consistent rock layers that can be traced in North America and Europe
- B.
The mid-Atlantic Ridge
- C.
Similar fossil species found on multiple continents
- D.
Pyramids in South America and Egypt
Correct Answer
B. The mid-Atlantic RidgeExplanation
The mid-Atlantic Ridge is evidence of continental drift and plate tectonics, which suggests that the continents were once connected and have since moved apart. This geological feature is a divergent boundary where new oceanic crust is being formed, indicating the separation of the continents. Therefore, it is not evidence that the continents were connected at different times in the history of the Earth.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following is an example of an organism that has appeared basically unchanged in the fossil record over millions of years
- A.
Human
- B.
Shark
- C.
Sea gull
- D.
Toad
Correct Answer
B. SharkExplanation
Sharks are an example of an organism that has appeared basically unchanged in the fossil record over millions of years. Fossils of ancient sharks dating back to hundreds of millions of years ago closely resemble modern-day sharks. This suggests that sharks have undergone very little evolutionary change over a long period of time, making them a prime example of a species that has remained relatively unchanged in the fossil record.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A series of fossils that span a large time period and show the evolutionary history of one organism are called
- A.
Translation fossils
- B.
Transition fossils
- C.
Transmutation fossils
- D.
Transecting fossils
Correct Answer
B. Transition fossilsExplanation
Transition fossils are the correct answer because they refer to a series of fossils that document the gradual changes in the characteristics of an organism over time, providing evidence for evolutionary processes. These fossils help to bridge the gaps between different species and show the transitional stages in the evolution of a particular organism. They are crucial in understanding the evolutionary history and the gradual development of traits and features in organisms.Rate this question:
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- 12.
How did the climates differ between the Ordovician and the Cretaceous Periods?
- A.
Temperate and Tropical
- B.
Forests and Large Lakes
- C.
Ocean and Dessert
- D.
Global Warming and Global Freezing
Correct Answer
D. Global Warming and Global FreezingExplanation
During the Ordovician Period, the climate was relatively warm and stable, with no ice caps at the poles. However, during the Cretaceous Period, the climate underwent significant changes. Global warming occurred, leading to higher temperatures and rising sea levels. This resulted in the expansion of tropical forests and the formation of large lakes. On the other hand, global freezing also occurred during this period, leading to the formation of ice caps at the poles and the spread of glaciers in some areas. These contrasting climatic conditions between the two periods resulted in the presence of both temperate and tropical climates, as well as the occurrence of forests and large lakes.Rate this question:
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- 13.
How were our modern coal deposits formed?
- A.
Burning ancient forests
- B.
Plant material falling into swamps over thousands of years
- C.
Plant material accumulating in dry dessert basins
- D.
Animals waste deposits accumulating in early caves
Correct Answer
B. Plant material falling into swamps over thousands of yearsExplanation
Our modern coal deposits were formed by plant material falling into swamps over thousands of years. As plants died and fell into these swamps, they were buried under layers of sediment. Over time, the pressure from the weight of the sediment and the heat from the Earth's crust caused the plant material to undergo chemical and physical changes, eventually transforming into coal. This process, known as coalification, resulted in the formation of the coal deposits we have today.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which one of the following is not a characteristic of living things?
- A.
Made of cells
- B.
Can reproduce
- C.
Can be a gas
- D.
Can adapt to environmental stimulus
Correct Answer
C. Can be a gasExplanation
Living things are made of cells, can reproduce, and can adapt to environmental stimulus. However, being a gas is not a characteristic of living things. Living things can exist as solids, liquids, or gases, but being a gas is not a defining characteristic of life.Rate this question:
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- 15.
A type of fossil that researchers can use to identify a time period that the fossil layer was created during is called
- A.
An indicator fossil
- B.
An index fossil
- C.
An inpalinate fossil
- D.
A marker fossil
Correct Answer
B. An index fossilExplanation
An index fossil is a type of fossil that can be used by researchers to identify the time period in which the fossil layer was formed. These fossils are typically found in abundance and have a wide geographic distribution. They are also characteristic of a specific time period and are easily recognizable. By studying the presence of index fossils in different rock layers, scientists can determine the relative age of the rocks and the events that occurred during that time period. Therefore, an index fossil is the correct answer to this question.Rate this question:
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- 16.
We don't have fossils from the Archaen Epoch because the life that existed during this time was probably
- A.
Single celled
- B.
Evaporated
- C.
There was no life
- D.
Buried under layers of molten rock
Correct Answer
A. Single celledExplanation
During the Archaean Epoch, which occurred around 4 to 2.5 billion years ago, the most common form of life was likely single-celled organisms. These organisms were very small and lacked hard body parts, making it difficult for them to leave behind fossilized remains. Additionally, the geological processes during this time, such as volcanic activity and the movement of tectonic plates, may have destroyed any potential fossils that could have formed. Therefore, the absence of fossils from the Archaean Epoch can be attributed to the predominance of single-celled life and the geological conditions of that period.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Scientists who study fossils are called
- A.
Geobiologists
- B.
Fossilologists
- C.
Paleontologists
- D.
Rockahoundologists
Correct Answer
C. PaleontologistsExplanation
Paleontologists are scientists who study fossils. They analyze and interpret the remains of ancient organisms to understand their biology, behavior, and evolution. They use various techniques to excavate, preserve, and analyze fossils, providing valuable insights into the history of life on Earth. Geobiologists study the interaction between organisms and their environment, but they may not specialize in fossils specifically. Fossilologists is not a commonly used term in the scientific community, and Rockahoundologists is not a recognized scientific term at all.Rate this question:
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- 18.
At one point in the geologic history of the Earth, a giant, supercontinent existed called
- A.
Utopia
- B.
Granwasta
- C.
Euraustamia
- D.
Pangea
Correct Answer
D. PangeaExplanation
During the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, all the continents were joined together to form a supercontinent known as Pangea. This supercontinent began to break apart around 200 million years ago, leading to the formation of the continents we see today. Pangea is a widely accepted theory in geology and is supported by evidence such as matching coastlines, similar rock formations, and fossil records found across different continents.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following would be definite proof that there was a living thing present in a bottle that contains unknown substances.
- A.
CO2 gas being produced
- B.
A temperature change
- C.
Presence of cells when studied under a microscope
- D.
Temperature change
Correct Answer
C. Presence of cells when studied under a microscopeExplanation
The presence of cells when studied under a microscope would be definite proof that there was a living thing present in the bottle. Cells are the basic building blocks of life and are only found in living organisms. Therefore, if cells are observed under a microscope, it indicates the presence of a living organism in the unknown substances in the bottle. CO2 gas being produced and a temperature change can be indicative of biological activity, but they are not definitive proof of the presence of a living thing.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 07, 2008Quiz Created by
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