Stnd 09: Fossil Record
|
|
1.
|
Examine structure and function in these fossils, and think about the
environments they lived in. Multi-Select
Question Based upon your analysis of this fossil record, determine which answer or answers
below are best supported by this diagram. (Select 2 of 4 choices)
|
Multiple Choice Identify the
choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
|
|
2.
|
Three sedimentary layers were exposed in a rock quarry. The sandstone layer at
the bottom contained fossils of three different types of dinosaurs. The layer above it contained
mainly volcanic ash. The top layer of shale contained fossils of only one type of dinosaur.
Which of the
following interpretations of this fossil record is the most logical?
a. | This sedimentary rock displays tectonic uplift which formed a shallow ocean resulting
in the extinction of two out of three dinosaur species. | b. | This fossil record
shows that dinosaur species were abundant in the Jurassic period, but only a few species survived
into the Triassic period. | c. | A volcanic eruption caused the extinction of
two dinosaur species. Only smaller variants of the third species survived but this variant prospered
in the post-volcano environment. | d. | Excessive predation by carnivores caused the
population of herbivores to crash which resulted in extinction of two species of
dinosaurs. |
|
|
3.
|
Examine the fossils shown below. These were found in Oklahoma, and were
determined to be from the Mesozoic Era and the following Cenozoic Era. Based on this fossil record, what
conclusions can you draw about this region?
a. | Comparing the structure of the Mesozoic Era fossils with the structure of the
Cenozoic Era fossils reveals that these marine organisms evolved to become land
organisms. | b. | The fossils show that both sea creatures and land animals existed at the same time in
this region. | c. | Marine fossils show that an ocean once covered this area, and terrestrial fossils
show that uplifting occurred which resulted in the return of land animals. | d. | Based on this fossil
record, we can conclude that marine organisms were driven to extinction by terrestrial invaders which
took over the aquatic environment. |
|
|
4.
|
Examine the diagram of horse fossils.
Horse Fossils Past to Present | | |
Fossil evidence suggests that horse’s physical structure began
changing around 55 million years ago. Fossils of forest plants have been found near the first horse
fossils, but mainly grassland fossils are found near later horse fossils. Which statement is
the most logical conclusion based on this fossil evidence?
a. | Body size in horses increased in response to environmental
changes | b. | Body size in horses remained unchanged because its environment stayed the
same. | c. | Modern horses are not structurally similar to ancient horses. | d. | Leg length in horses
did not change. Only skull sizes increased. |
|
|
5.
|
Examine structure and function in these fossils. Fossils in Layers of
Sedimentary Rock | | | The fossil evidence found in these
sedimentary layers reveals that...?
a. | carnivores evolved from omnivores and herbivores during the Cretaceous
period. | b. | vertebrate organisms (backbones) developed after invertebrates (without
backbones) | c. | land and marine animals evolved together millions of years ago in the same time
period | d. | organisms with exoskeletons caused the extinction of organisms with
endoskeletons |
|