Earth
Natural Selection
FOSSILS
Fossils 2
Biological History
100
The division of Earth’s history into units of time based on the geologic changes in Earth’s crust and sudden changes in forms of life is called _____. A) relative dating B) the fossil record C) the geologic time scale D) the solar calendar year
What is C) the geologic time scale
100
Some fruit flies have developed wings that are shorter than normal. Fruit flies with short wings cannot fly. Based on this information, which is the best prediction for the survival of short-wing fruit flies? A) There will eventually be fewer short-wing fruit flies than normal fruit flies. B) There will eventually be more short-wing fruit flies than normal fruit flies. C) There will eventually be the same number of short-wing fruit flies as normal fruit flies. D) Short-wing fruit flies will mate with normal fruit flies produce offspring with medium-length wings.
What is A) There will eventually be fewer short-wing fruit flies than normal fruit flies.
100
_____ are the preserved remains or traces of plants or animals from Earth’s past. A) Traits B) Fossils C) Epochs D) Geologic columns
What is B) Fossils
100
Trilobite fossils from different time periods show small changes in appearance. These observations suggest that the changes may be the result of a. the gradual disintegration of radioactive substances b. evolutionary development c. a variety of geological processes d. periods of destruction of the geological record
What is b. evolutionary development
100
Which of the following is TRUE about how changes can happen to the physical environment of earth? a. Changes can happen suddenly or gradually. b. Changes can happen suddenly but not gradually. c. Changes can happen gradually but not suddenly. d. Changes can happen neither gradually nor suddenly because the environment does not change.
What is a. Changes can happen suddenly or gradually.
200
The largest unit of geologic time is a(n) _______. A) era B) period C) epoch D) century
What is A) era
200
Almost 600 years ago, European rabbits were introduced to the Canary Islands. Now, Canary Island rabbits are so different in size, eye color, ear shape, and other features that they are considered separate species. What does this illustrate? A) Change is uncommon in most species. B) Species remain generally unaffected by the environment. C) Species only change through millions of years. D) Natural selection can change a species over time.
What is D) Natural selection can change a species over time
200
The term "Fossil" can refer to which of the following? a. A bone in which the original matter has been replaced by rock but not an impression left by a bone in rock b. An impression left by bone in rock but not a bone in which the original matter has been replaced by rock C. Both a bone in which the original matter has been replaced by rock and an impression left by a bone in rock D. Neither an impression left by a bone in rock nor a bone in which the original matter has been replaced by rock
What is C. Both a bone in which the original matter has been replaced by rock and an impression left by a bone in rock
200
A fossil that forms within the cavity of a mold fossil is a ______ fossil. A) cast B) petrified C) carbonized D) preserved remains
What is A) cast
200
Which of the following matches an event in the history of life with the correct geologic era? a. first mammals: Precambrian b. Appearance of humans: Mesozoic c. movement of plants and animals onto land: Paleozoic d. dominance of dinosaurs: Cenozoic
What is c. movement of plants and animals onto land: Paleozoic
300
Eras of the geologic time scale are divided into _____. A) periods B) ages C) units D) epochs
What is A) periods
300
Which of the following is REQUIRED for the process of natural selection to occur? a. Numerous species must have recently become extinct. b. A food source must disappear. c. There must be a sudden environmental change. d. Traits must be inherited from one generation to the next
What is d. Traits must be inherited from one
300
An unusual type of fossil clam is found in rock layers high in the Swiss Alps. The same type of fossil clam is also found in the Rocky Mountains of North America. From this,scientists conclude that ____________________. a. glaciers carried the fossils up the mountains b. the Rocky Mountains and the Swiss Alps are both volcanic in origin c. clams once lived in mountains, but have since evolved into sea-dwelling creatures d. the layers of rocks in which the fossils were found are from the same geologic age
What is d. the layers of rocks in which the fossils were found are from the same geologic age
300
Fossilized animal tracks are an example of _____. A) petrified materials B) trace fossils C) molds D) casts
What is B) trace fossils
300
Identify the present geologic era. A) Mesozoic Era B) Paleozoic Era C) Cenozoic Era D) Precambrian time
What is C) Cenozoic Era
400
The correct order of the major geologic periods of time from oldest to most recent is which of the following? A) Mesozoic, Paleozoic, Precambrian, Cenozoic B) Precambrian, Mesozoic, Paleozoic, Cenozoic C) Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic D) Paleozoic, Precambrian, Cenozoic, Mesozoic
What is C) Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic
400
In order to determine the relative age of fossil, scientists may use a type of fossil known as a(n) a. index fossil. b. radioactive fossil. c. relative fossil. d. absolute fossil.
What is a. index fossil
400
What is the first stage in the creation of a fossil?
What is It is buried by sediment (sand/mud)
400
During the last _____, so much water was frozen that the sea level may have been 100 meters lower than it is today. A) volcanic eruption B) continental shift C) meteor shower D) ice age
What is D) ice age
500
Some geologic periods have been divided into smaller time units called _____. A) centuries B) epochs C) eras D) years
What is B) epochs
500
Which one is not a probable cause of extinction of species? a. habitat alteration b. overhunting c. introduction of alien species d. creation of wilderness areas
What is d. creation of wilderness areas
500
Which of the following events could have contributed to the late Paleozoic Extinction? a. increased volcanic activity b. climate change c. meteorite impact d. all of the above
What is d. all of the above
500
A volcanic eruption is a dramatic and powerful event. What positive effect on the environment can come as a result of a volcanic eruption? A) Increasing the amount of landmass B) Increasing the amount of acid rain C) Decreasing air quality D) Decreasing the number of organisms
What is A) Increasing the amount of landmass