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8.LS4.1 Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change in life forms throughout Earth’s history.

Quiz by Malcolm Sanders

Grade 8
Science
Tennessee Academic Standards

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12 questions
Show answers
  • Q1
    What information can scientists obtain from the fossil record?
    The names of all prehistoric species
    The color of dinosaur skin
    The languages spoken by early humans
    Evolutionary patterns, extinction events, and environmental changes
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q2
    What does the term 'fossil record' imply?
    book of laws about fossil handling and preservation
    database where all modern animal species are recorded
    a cumulative history of earth's organisms documented by fossils
    an album of pictures consisting of fossils
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q3
    Which of the following best describes why the fossil record is incomplete?
    Fossils are always completely preserved, making the record complete
    Most fossils have been destroyed by natural disasters
    There are no noticeable gaps in the fossil record
    Not all organisms fossilize well and some habitats are better for fossilization than others
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q4
    What information can be obtained from the fossil record?
    The existence, diversity, extinction, and change in life forms throughout Earth’s history
    The age of the Earth
    The genealogy of each life form
    The cause of extinction for each organism
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q5
    What does the pattern of more complex organisms appearing in more recent layers of the fossil record suggest?
    Decreased biodiversity over time
    Evolutionary processes leading to an increase in complexity
    Younger fossils are always more complex
    All organisms in the past were less complex
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q6
    Which of the following best describes the reason why fossils from different time periods are found at different layers in the Earth’s crust?
    Earth’s gravity pulls more recent fossils up to the surface
    Different organisms prefer to live at different depths
    Fossils gradually sink deeper into the crust over time
    Organisms get buried in sediment which turns into rock over time, forming newer layers over older ones
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q7
    Which option best describes how fossils can provide evidence for the change in life forms throughout Earth's history?
    Fossils can show how organisms have changed over time, indicating evolution and adaptability.
    Fossils can depict that organisms can undergo changes in a single generation.
    Fossils can confirm that all life forms always existed in their current forms.
    Fossils can prove that life forms have remained stable throughout Earth's history.
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q8
    What would a large number of fossils from different periods, but from the same location, suggest?
    The location experienced a single, catastrophic event.
    The organisms lived there simultaneously.
    Only one type of organism lived there.
    The location was habitable for a long period of time.
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q9
    What can the fossil record tell us about the extinction events in Earth's history?
    The fossil record proves that extinction events can only happen due to meteor impacts.
    The fossil record can show decreases or disappearances in certain species over time, indicating possible extinction events.
    The fossil record shows that no extinction events have occurred.
    The fossil record can tell us the exact reason why each extinction event occurred.
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q10
    Which of the following best represents a pattern in the fossil record that documents the existence, diversity, extinction, and change in life forms throughout Earth’s history?
    Presence of mammal fossils in every rock layer
    Presence of larger organisms in older rocks and smaller ones in newer rocks
    Presence of simple organisms in older rocks and more complex ones in newer rocks
    Presence of unique organisms in each rock layer
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q11
    What type of fossil data would provide direct evidence of a mass extinction event in Earth's history?
    A sudden decrease in the diversity of animal life in a particular stratum of rocks
    A consistent number of animal species throughout all strata
    A gradual increase in the number of animal species over time
    A sudden increase in plant life in a particular layer of rocks
    30s
    8.LS4.1
  • Q12
    What would a fossil record displaying a sudden increase in a particular species signify about Earth's history?
    An oncoming mass extinction event
    A lack of biodiversity
    A sudden geographical displacement
    A successful evolutionary adaptation
    30s
    8.LS4.1

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