1.
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):
Correct Answer
E. Extinction of the dinosaurs
Explanation
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.
2.
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):
Correct Answer
D. 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.
3.
What caused the atmosphere to change through geologic time? (Standard 2.1j)
Correct Answer
A. The evolution of oxygen-producing organisms
Explanation
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.
4.
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).
Correct Answer
D. Tug Hill Plateau
Explanation
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.
5.
Human civilizations developed during which of the following periods of geologic time? This question may require the Earth Science Reference Tables (Standard 1.2i).
Correct Answer
D. Quaternary Period
Explanation
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.
6.
6. Which rock type is the oldest (Standard 1.2j):Type 1:Type 2:Type 3:Type 4:
Correct Answer
D. Type 4
Explanation
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.
7.
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).
Correct Answer
C. 11,400 years ago
Explanation
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.
8.
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).
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.
9.
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.
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4
Explanation
The given answer suggests that the person knows about all levels of Earth's history, ranging from the lowest (1) to the highest (4). This indicates that the person has a comprehensive understanding of Earth's history and is familiar with all aspects of it.
10.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how interested are you in Earth’s history.
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4
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.