Earth History Unit Pre-assessment (Earth Science Regents)
-
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how much you already know about Earth's history.
This pre-assessment for the Earth Science Regents explores key topics in Earth's history, such as the extinction of dinosaurs, Devonian marine environments, and the evolution of oxygen-producing organisms. It assesses understanding of geological time periods and rock types, crucial for students preparing for advanced studies in Earth Sciences.
Quiz Preview
- 2.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how interested are you in Earth’s history.
Explanation
The given answer suggests that the person is equally interested in Earth's history, regardless of the specific rating. They have indicated their interest level by selecting all possible options from 1 to 4, indicating that they have some level of interest in Earth's history.Rate this question:
- 3.
Human civilizations developed during which of the following periods of geologic time? This question may require the Earth Science Reference Tables (Standard 1.2i).
-
Triassic Period
-
Jurassic Period
-
Tertiary Period
-
Quaternary Period
-
Modern Period
Correct Answer
A. Quaternary PeriodExplanation
The Quaternary Period is the correct answer because human civilizations developed during this time period. The Quaternary Period began approximately 2.6 million years ago and is the most recent geologic time period. It is characterized by the presence of modern humans and the development of complex societies. This period includes the Ice Age and the evolution of Homo sapiens.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
What caused the atmosphere to change through geologic time? (Standard 2.1j)
-
The evolution of oxygen-producing organisms
-
The formation of the tectonic plates
-
The emergence of trilobites
-
The deposition of soil during sedimentary rock formation
-
Gravity
Correct Answer
A. The evolution of oxygen-producing organismsExplanation
The correct answer is the evolution of oxygen-producing organisms. Over geologic time, the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere increased due to the emergence and proliferation of organisms capable of photosynthesis, such as cyanobacteria. These organisms released oxygen as a byproduct of their metabolic processes, leading to significant changes in the composition of the atmosphere. This increase in oxygen levels had profound effects on the Earth's climate, the development of new species, and the overall evolution of life on Earth.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
6. Which rock type is the oldest (Standard 1.2j):Type 1:Type 2:Type 3:Type 4:
-
Type 1
-
Type 2
-
Type 3
-
Type 4
-
All of the rocks are the same age.
Correct Answer
A. Type 4Explanation
Type 4 is the correct answer because it is stated that all of the rocks are the same age. This means that regardless of the type, all the rocks have formed at the same time and are therefore the same age.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
A very large, circular impact crater beyond the east coast of Mexico is believed to be approximately 65 million years old. This impact is inferred to be related to (Standard 1.2d):
-
Alien attack
-
Appearance of earliest trilobites
-
Advance and retreat of the last continental ice sheet
-
Formation of Pangaea
-
Extinction of the dinosaurs
Correct Answer
A. Extinction of the dinosaursExplanation
The correct answer is "Extinction of the dinosaurs." The given information states that a very large, circular impact crater off the east coast of Mexico is believed to be approximately 65 million years old. This information is commonly associated with the theory that a massive asteroid impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. The impact would have caused widespread devastation, including climate change and the destruction of habitats, leading to the extinction of many species, including the dinosaurs.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables. The Devonian-aged siltstone shown in the photograph below occurs as surface bedrock near Hamilton, New York. What does the presence of the fossils suggest about the Hamilton area during the Devonian? (Standard 1.2f):
-
It had a terrestrial environment sometime between 443 and 418 million years ago.
-
It had a terrestrial environment sometime between 418 and 362 million years ago.
-
It had a marine environment sometime between 443 and 418 million years ago.
-
It had a marine environment sometime between 418 and 362 million years ago.
-
It had a terrestrial environment sometime between 65 million years ago and the present.
Correct Answer
A. It had a marine environment sometime between 418 and 362 million years ago.Explanation
The presence of fossils in the Devonian-aged siltstone suggests that the Hamilton area had a marine environment sometime between 418 and 362 million years ago. This is because the fossils found in the siltstone indicate the presence of marine organisms that lived during the Devonian period, which occurred within this time frame.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
A fossil shell contains 25% of the original amount of its carbon-14. Approximately how many years ago was this shell part of a living organism? This question may require the Earth Science Reference Tables (Standard 1.2j).
-
17,100 years ago
-
22,800 years ago
-
11,400 years ago
-
5,700 years ago
-
65 million years ago
Correct Answer
A. 11,400 years agoExplanation
The half-life of carbon-14 is approximately 5730 years. Since the fossil shell contains 25% of the original amount of carbon-14, it means that 75% has decayed. This corresponds to approximately 2 half-lives (50% decay per half-life). Therefore, the shell was part of a living organism approximately 11,400 years ago.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Which inference is best supported by the rock and fossil record of New York State? This question may require the Earth Science Reference Tables (Standard 2.1o).
-
Eurypterids lived in shallow seas near present day Syracuse.
-
The earliest coral reefs formed off the shore of present-day Long Island.
-
Coelophysis wandered through the jungles near the present-day Albany.
-
Condors nested in the Adirondack Mountains during the Grenville Orogeny.
-
Wooly mammoths roamed Manhattan during the Precambrian.
Correct Answer
A. Eurypterids lived in shallow seas near present day Syracuse.Explanation
The inference that is best supported by the rock and fossil record of New York State is that Eurypterids lived in shallow seas near present-day Syracuse. This can be inferred because the rock and fossil record in that area would contain evidence of the presence of Eurypterids, such as their fossilized remains or traces. The other statements do not have as strong of evidence to support them based on the rock and fossil record.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
The diagram below shows an index fossil found in surface bedrock in some parts of New York State. In which New York State landscape region is this gastropod fossil most likely found in the surface bedrock? This question may require the Earth Science Reference Tables (Standard 1.2i).
-
Allegheny Plateau
-
Newark Lowlands
-
Adirondack Mountains
-
Tug Hill Plateau
-
None of the Above
Correct Answer
A. Tug Hill PlateauExplanation
The Tug Hill Plateau is the correct answer because the diagram shows a gastropod fossil found in surface bedrock. The Tug Hill Plateau is known for its sedimentary rocks, which are formed from the accumulation of sediment over time. Fossils are often found in sedimentary rocks, making it likely that the gastropod fossil would be found in this region. The other landscape regions listed do not have the same geological characteristics as the Tug Hill Plateau, making them less likely locations for the fossil to be found.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 20, 2023 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 08, 2010Quiz Created by
Tagscience
Back to top