Fossils And Earth History
This quiz is testing your knowledge and understanding of types of fossils, dating methods and the three eras and time periods.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The picture below can best be classified as what type of fossil?
- A.
Impression
- B.
Casts
- C.
Permineralization
- D.
Mold
Correct Answer
C. PermineralizationExplanation
The picture can best be classified as permineralization because it shows a fossil that has been preserved through the process of mineralization. This process occurs when minerals seep into the pores of an organism's remains, gradually replacing the organic material with minerals. The result is a fossil that retains the shape and structure of the original organism, but is now composed of minerals. This type of fossilization is common in plant and animal remains, and can provide valuable information about the anatomy and composition of ancient organisms.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The following diagram best represents what type of fossil?
- A.
Permineralization
- B.
Impression
- C.
Amber
- D.
Gastrolith
Correct Answer
B. ImpressionExplanation
The diagram best represents an impression fossil. Impression fossils are formed when an organism's remains leave an imprint or impression in sediment or rock. These imprints can include outlines of the organism's body, tracks, or other markings. In the given diagram, there is a clear outline or impression of the organism, suggesting that it is an impression fossil.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The diagram below can best be described as which type of fossil?
- A.
Carbonized imprint
- B.
Impression
- C.
Casts
- D.
Molds
Correct Answer
A. Carbonized imprintExplanation
The diagram can best be described as a carbonized imprint because it shows a fossilized organism that has been preserved through the process of carbonization. Carbonization occurs when the organic material of an organism is compressed and heated, causing the volatile elements to be driven off and leaving behind a carbon residue. This process can create a detailed imprint of the organism's structure, which is evident in the diagram.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The picture below can best be described as which type of fossil?
- A.
Imprint
- B.
Impression
- C.
Casts
- D.
Permineralization
- E.
Freezing
Correct Answer
C. CastsExplanation
The picture can best be described as a cast because it shows a three-dimensional replica of an organism or a part of an organism. Casts are formed when the original organic material decays or is dissolved, leaving behind a mold. This mold then gets filled with sediment or minerals, creating a solid replica of the organism.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Scientists discovered this ancient beetle trapped in sand full of old crude oil based liquid. This can best be desribed as which type of fossil?
- A.
Carbon Imprint
- B.
Permineralization
- C.
Tar
- D.
Coprolite
Correct Answer
C. TarExplanation
The correct answer is Tar. The question describes a beetle trapped in sand full of old crude oil-based liquid, indicating that the fossil is preserved in tar. Tar is a type of fossil formed from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants or animals, that have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. This process results in the formation of a thick, sticky substance that can preserve the remains of organisms.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following would we use to measure the approximate age of Niagara Falls?
- A.
Rates of Erosion
- B.
Rates of Deposition
- C.
Varves
- D.
Carbon-14 Dating
Correct Answer
A. Rates of ErosionExplanation
To measure the approximate age of Niagara Falls, we would use rates of erosion. By studying the erosion rates, we can estimate how long it took for the falls to form and reach their current state. The higher the erosion rate, the younger the falls are likely to be. This method allows us to approximate the age of natural features like Niagara Falls, as erosion is a gradual process that occurs over time.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following listed layers would you expect to be the oldest?
- A.
Layer A
- B.
Layer B
- C.
Layer C
- D.
Layer D
- E.
Layer E
Correct Answer
D. Layer DExplanation
Based on the given information, it can be inferred that Layer D would be the oldest. This is because the layers are listed in a sequential order, and Layer D is mentioned after Layer A, Layer B, and Layer C. Therefore, it can be assumed that Layer D was formed before the other layers, making it the oldest.Rate this question:
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- 8.
If Layer C was the Mississipian Period, which of the following would make the most sense in classifying Layer B?
- A.
Paleozoic, Permian
- B.
Paleozoic, Cambrian
- C.
Mesozoic, Cambrian
- D.
Mesozoic, Triassic
- E.
Paleozoic, Tertiary
Correct Answer
D. Mesozoic, TriassicExplanation
Layer C being the Mississippian Period indicates that it is a part of the Paleozoic Era. Layer B, being classified as Mesozoic, would suggest that it is from a different era. Among the given options, the only era that comes after the Paleozoic Era is the Mesozoic Era. Additionally, the Triassic Period is the first period of the Mesozoic Era, making the classification "Mesozoic, Triassic" the most logical choice for Layer B.Rate this question:
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- 9.
If all of the layers were part of the Paleozoic Era, which of the following fossils would you NOT find in these rock layers?
- A.
Trilobites
- B.
Seed Bearing Plants
- C.
Primitive Sharks
- D.
Early Reptiles
- E.
Mammals
Correct Answer
E. MammalsExplanation
During the Paleozoic Era, which lasted from about 541 to 252 million years ago, mammals had not yet evolved. Mammals did not appear on Earth until the Mesozoic Era, which followed the Paleozoic Era. Therefore, if all of the layers were part of the Paleozoic Era, you would not find fossils of mammals in these rock layers.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following happened most recently?
- A.
Deposition of A
- B.
Magma intrusion of Layer E
- C.
Contact Metamorphism by Layer E
- D.
Earthquake between Layers B, C, D, and E
Correct Answer
A. Deposition of AExplanation
The deposition of A is the most recent event because it is mentioned first in the list.Rate this question:
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- 11.
If Layer A contained bones of deer and other mammals, which would be the best classification for Layer A?
- A.
Paleozoic, Permian
- B.
Mesozoic, Triassic
- C.
Mesozoic, Jurassic
- D.
Cenozoic, Tertiary
Correct Answer
D. Cenozoic, TertiaryExplanation
Layer A containing bones of deer and other mammals suggests that it belongs to a relatively recent time period. The Cenozoic era is known as the "Age of Mammals," and it is the most recent era in geological time. Within the Cenozoic era, the Tertiary period is the first and earliest period, characterized by the diversification and dominance of mammals. Therefore, the best classification for Layer A would be Cenozoic, Tertiary.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which fossil would best represent an index fossil?
- A.
Fossil 1
- B.
Fossil 2
- C.
Fossil 3
Correct Answer
B. Fossil 2Explanation
Fossil 2 would best represent an index fossil because index fossils are used to define and identify specific time periods in geological history. They are typically widespread and abundant, making them useful for correlating and dating rock layers. Without further information about the characteristics of each fossil, it is impossible to provide a more specific explanation.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The fossils in all three locations below are most likely from which era?
- A.
Cenozoic
- B.
Mesozoic
- C.
Paleozoic
Correct Answer
C. PaleozoicExplanation
The fossils in all three locations are most likely from the Paleozoic era. This is because the Paleozoic era is known as the "Age of Ancient Life" and is characterized by the presence of diverse marine life, including trilobites, brachiopods, and early fish. The Cenozoic era is the most recent era and is characterized by the rise of mammals and birds, while the Mesozoic era is known for the dominance of dinosaurs. Therefore, based on the information provided, the most likely era for the fossils in all three locations is the Paleozoic era.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The following data table shows the amount of radioactive Radium decreasing over time. Examine the data and decide what the half life is for this radioactive element. Amount (# of atoms of Ra-222) Time (Minutes) 24, 000 0 min 22,000 8 min 20,000 16 min 18,000 24 min 16,000 32 min 14,000 40 min 12,000 48 min 10,000 64 min 8,000 80 min 6,000 96 min
- A.
8 min
- B.
24 min
- C.
48 min
- D.
96 min
Correct Answer
C. 48 minExplanation
Based on the data table, the amount of radioactive Radium decreases by 2,000 atoms every 8 minutes. This means that the half-life of the radioactive element is the time it takes for the amount to decrease by half. In this case, the amount decreases from 24,000 to 12,000 atoms in 48 minutes, which is half of the initial amount. Therefore, the half-life of this radioactive element is 48 minutes.Rate this question:
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- 15.
If one started with 400 atoms of plutonium-239 and now only have 12.5 grams, a. how many half-lives occurred?
- A.
2
- B.
3
- C.
4
- D.
5
- E.
6
Correct Answer
D. 5Explanation
The half-life of plutonium-239 is the amount of time it takes for half of the atoms to decay. If one started with 400 atoms and now only has 12.5 grams, it means that a significant amount of decay has occurred. Since the question asks for the number of half-lives, we can determine this by calculating how many times the original amount of plutonium-239 has been halved to reach 12.5 grams. By dividing 400 by 2 repeatedly until we reach 12.5, we find that it takes 5 half-lives for the amount to decrease to that level.Rate this question:
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- 16.
If a fossil contained 75% of the daughter element and 25% of the original radioactive parent element, how many half lives occurred?
- A.
0
- B.
1
- C.
2
- D.
3
- E.
4
Correct Answer
C. 2Explanation
The given information states that the fossil contains 75% of the daughter element and 25% of the original radioactive parent element. This indicates that half of the parent element has decayed into the daughter element, which corresponds to one half-life. However, since the fossil still contains 25% of the parent element, it suggests that another half-life has occurred, resulting in a total of two half-lives.Rate this question:
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- 17.
If radioactive Polonium, Po-197, has a half life of four minutes, how much Po-197 will remain after 24 minutes if we originally started with 200 grams?
- A.
50 grams
- B.
25 grams
- C.
About 12 grams
- D.
About 6 grams
- E.
About 3 grams
Correct Answer
E. About 3 gramsExplanation
The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for half of the substance to decay. In this case, the half-life of Polonium-197 is four minutes. After 24 minutes, there would be six half-lives (24 minutes divided by 4 minutes). Each half-life reduces the amount of Polonium-197 by half. Therefore, after six half-lives, the amount of Polonium-197 remaining would be (1/2)^6 times the original amount. Calculating this, we find that about 3 grams of Polonium-197 would remain after 24 minutes if we started with 200 grams.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following rock layers would be the youngest?
- A.
1
- B.
6
- C.
4
- D.
3
Correct Answer
D. 3Explanation
The youngest rock layer would be the one that is on top of the others. Since the numbers are listed vertically, we can assume that the higher the number, the higher the rock layer is in the sequence. Therefore, rock layer 3 would be the youngest because it is the highest number listed.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following would be the OLDEST rock layer?
- A.
3
- B.
2
- C.
5
- D.
4
Correct Answer
D. 4 -
- 20.
Is there evidence that an earthquake occurred?
- A.
YES, along A
- B.
NO
- C.
YES, along B
Correct Answer
C. YES, along BExplanation
The given answer suggests that there is evidence of an earthquake along B. However, without any context or additional information, it is difficult to determine the specific evidence or the significance of the evidence along B.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 24, 2010Quiz Created by
Bfritz
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