Earth Boot Camp
5.7D:
Identify fossils as evidence of past living
organisms and the nature of the
environments at the time using models.
STAAR 2013 #9; RC3; Supporting; 5.2D
The diagram below shows rock layers next to a road.
1. Layer F contains many plant fossils. Layer F most likely
formed in which of these environments?
A. Desert
B. Forest
C. Ocean
D. Tundra
STAAR 2013 #9; RC3; Supporting; 5.2D
The diagram below shows rock layers next to a road.
1. Layer F contains many plant fossils. Layer F most likely
formed in which of these environments?
A. Desert
B. Forest
C. Ocean
D. Tundra
Release Items; 2006—#24 (74%)
2. The rock column above shows the layers in a rock
formation. The three diagrams above show the
positions of fossils in different rock layers. According
to this information, which fossil is the youngest?
F
G
H
J
Release Items; 2006—#24 (74%)
2. The rock column above shows the layers in a rock
formation. The three diagrams above show the
positions of fossils in different rock layers. According
to this information, which fossil is the youngest?
F
G
H
J
2009—#23 (77%)
3. The Davis Mountains in West Texas used to
be taller than they are now. Which of the
following conditions most likely caused the
mountains to become shorter over time?
A
B
C
D
Heat and pressure
Soil deposition
Rain and wind
River formation
2009—#23 (77%)
3. The Davis Mountains in West Texas used to
be taller than they are now. Which of the
following conditions most likely caused the
mountains to become shorter over time?
A
B
C
D
Heat and pressure
Soil deposition
Rain and wind
River formation
4. By examining fossils, scientists think that—
A
B
C
D
plants have changed over time, but animals have not
animals have changed over time, but plants have not
many changes have occurred to plants and animals
it is not possible to determine the past from fossils
4. By examining fossils, scientists think that—
A
B
C
D
plants have changed over time, but animals have not
animals have changed over time, but plants have not
many changes have occurred to plants and animals
it is not possible to determine the past from fossils
5. Why do scientists study fossils?
A
B
C
D
To find out what past climates were like
To figure out how plants and animals have changed
To learn how the Solar System formed
All of the above answer choices
5. Why do scientists study fossils?
A
B
C
D
To find out what past climates were like
To figure out how plants and animals have changed
To learn how the Solar System formed
All of the above answer choices
6. By examining fossils, scientists think that compared
to today, in the past Earth's climate has—
A always been the same
B cooled only during the Ice Age
C warmed and cooled many times
D warmed only since humans started burning fossil
fuels
6. By examining fossils, scientists think that compared
to today, in the past Earth's climate has—
A always been the same
B cooled only during the Ice Age
C warmed and cooled many times
D warmed only since humans started burning fossil
fuels
7. Most fossils are found in –
A
B
C
D
frozen rock
igneous rock
sedimentary rock
metamorphic rock
7. Most fossils are found in –
A
B
C
D
frozen rock
igneous rock
sedimentary rock
metamorphic rock
8. What information CANNOT be learned from
studying an animal fossil?
A
B
C
D
The size of the animal
How much the animal weighed
How long ago the animal lived
The number of offspring the animal had
8. What information CANNOT be learned from
studying an animal fossil?
A
B
C
D
The size of the animal
How much the animal weighed
How long ago the animal lived
The number of offspring the animal had
9. The diagram above shows layers of sedimentary rock in the
Earth’s crust. In which layer of rock should a scientist expect to
find the oldest fossils?
A
B
C
D
Layer M
Layer N
Layer O
Layer P
9. The diagram above shows layers of sedimentary rock in the
Earth’s crust. In which layer of rock should a scientist expect to
find the oldest fossils?
A
B
C
D
Layer M
Layer N
Layer O
Layer P
10. The diagram above shows layers of sedimentary rocks and
examples of their fossils. Which layer contains the oldest
fossils?
A
B
C
D
Layer 2
Layer 4
Layer 1
Layer 3
10. The diagram above shows layers of sedimentary rocks and
examples of their fossils. Which layer contains the oldest
fossils?
A
B
C
D
Layer 2
Layer 4
Layer 1
Layer 3
11. Which fossil below MOST LIKELY comes from the oldest
layer?
A
B
C
D
11. Which fossil below MOST LIKELY comes from the oldest
layer?
A
B
C
D
12. Which fossil comes from the layer that is older than layer 1
but younger than layer 3?
A
B
C
D
12. Which fossil comes from the layer that is older than layer 1
but younger than layer 3? So layer 2’s fossil…
A
B
C
D
13. Which is the BEST evidence scientists have
concerning the existence of dinosaurs?
A
B
C
D
Fossilized bones of dinosaurs
Cave paintings of ancient dinosaurs
Stories passed down from generation to generation
Photographs of similar animals, like the Loch Ness
Monster
13. Which is the BEST evidence scientists have
concerning the existence of dinosaurs?
A
B
C
D
Fossilized bones of dinosaurs
Cave paintings of ancient dinosaurs
Stories passed down from generation to generation
Photographs of similar animals, like the Loch Ness
Monster
The diagram to the right represents
a cross-section of a cliff. It shows
several rock layers containing
fossils.
14. Which of the following layers of
rock is most likely the youngest?
A
B
C
D
The layer containing trilobites
The layer containing fishes
The layer containing amphibians
The layer containing dinosaurs
The diagram to the right represents
a cross-section of a cliff. It shows
several rock layers containing
fossils.
14. Which of the following layers of
rock is most likely the youngest?
A
B
C
D
The layer containing trilobites
The layer containing fishes
The layer containing amphibians
The layer containing dinosaurs
15. A scientist found a fossil that was buried 5
meters below the surface of the ground. The
next week she found a fossil that was 10
meters below the surface. What is most likely
true about the deeper fossil?
A
B
C
D
It is younger.
It is older.
It is larger.
It is smaller.
15. A scientist found a fossil that was buried 5
meters below the surface of the ground. The
next week she found a fossil that was 10
meters below the surface. What is most likely
true about the deeper fossil?
A
B
C
D
It is younger.
It is older.
It is larger.
It is smaller.
16. What is a fossil?
A The preserved remains of a dead plant or animal
found in a rock
B Fuels that formed from the decayed remains of
plants and animals
C A solid natural material that has a crystal form and
its own set of properties
D A resource that can replace itself in a relatively short
period of time
16. What is a fossil?
A The preserved remains of a dead plant or animal
found in a rock
B Fuels that formed from the decayed remains of
plants and animals
C A solid natural material that has a crystal form and
its own set of properties
D A resource that can replace itself in a relatively short
period of time
17. Scientists claim that the area around the Grand Canyon was
once covered by an ocean. What evidence would support their
claim?
A
B
C
D
Dinosaur footprints were found near the Grand Canyon.
Fish were found living in the rivers of the Grand Canyon.
Fossils of ocean animals were found at the Grand Canyon.
Bones from desert animals were found at the Grand Canyon.
17. Scientists claim that the area around the Grand Canyon was
once covered by an ocean. What evidence would support their
claim?
A
B
C
D
Dinosaur footprints were found near the Grand Canyon.
Fish were found living in the rivers of the Grand Canyon.
Fossils of ocean animals were found at the Grand Canyon.
Bones from desert animals were found at the Grand Canyon.
18. The following drawing is a cutaway view of the
Earth’s surface. What story might this slice of the
Earth tell us?
A
B
C
D
The Earth is not level.
An earthquake shifted the layers of the Earth.
There are fish fossils all over the Earth.
Layer A was formed before Layer D.
18. The following drawing is a cutaway view of the
Earth’s surface. What story might this slice of the
Earth tell us?
A
B
C
D
The Earth is not level.
An earthquake shifted the layers of the Earth.
There are fish fossils all over the Earth.
Layer A was formed before Layer D.
19. As sedimentary rock is laid down over time, the
oldest layers are usually on the bottom and the
newest are on top. Which of the following would
have an effect on the order of the rock layers in a
certain area?
A
B
C
D
Erosion caused by rain
Rock folding and tilting
Wind erosion
Lava flows near a volcano
19. As sedimentary rock is laid down over time, the
oldest layers are usually on the bottom and the
newest are on top. Which of the following would
have an effect on the order of the rock layers in a
certain area?
A
B
C
D
Erosion caused by rain
Rock folding and tilting
Wind erosion
Lava flows near a volcano
20. Plant fossils that we find today began forming
millions of years ago. What allowed the process to
begin?
A
B
C
D
Consumers ate all of the plants.
Rainfall eroded huge mountains.
Dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Plants grew, died, and decayed.
20. Plant fossils that we find today began forming
millions of years ago. What allowed the process to
begin?
A
B
C
D
Consumers ate all of the plants.
Rainfall eroded huge mountains.
Dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Plants grew, died, and decayed.
21. Which layer is the oldest?
A
B
C
D
Kaibab limestone
Hermit shale
Redwall limestone
Vishnu schist
21. Which layer is the oldest?
A
B
C
D
Kaibab limestone
Hermit shale
Redwall limestone
Vishnu schist
Scientists use fossil evidence to determine details about the environment in
which the organism lived. The environment is the surroundings in which
the organism lived.
22. The picture shows a limestone building block. Which of these BEST
shows that the limestone was formed from ocean sediments?
A
B
C
D
The position of the fossils
The number of the fossils
The type of fossils
The size of the fossils
Scientists use fossil evidence to determine details about the environment in
which the organism lived. The environment is the surroundings in which
the organism lived.
22. The picture shows a limestone building block. Which of these BEST
shows that the limestone was formed from ocean sediments?
A
B
C
D
The position of the fossils
The number of the fossils
The type of fossils
The size of the fossils
23. Scientists see three layers of rock exposed on the side of a hill. The bottom layer
is sandstone with fossils of a certain species of reptile found only in this geographic
location. The middle layer is volcanic ash. The top layer is mud stone (shale) with
fossils of a different species of reptile. The fossil evidence supports which hypothesis
about the extinction of the older reptile species?
A The older reptile species went extinct because sea levels rose and flooded its
habitat.
B The older reptile species went extinct because a predator was introduced into the
environment.
C The older reptile species went extinct because it could not compete with the
younger reptile species.
D The older reptile species went extinct because a volcanic eruption caused the
environment to change.
23. Scientists see three layers of rock exposed on the side of a hill. The bottom layer
is sandstone with fossils of a certain species of reptile found only in this geographic
location. The middle layer is volcanic ash. The top layer is mud stone (shale) with
fossils of a different species of reptile. The fossil evidence supports which hypothesis
about the extinction of the older reptile species?
A The older reptile species went extinct because sea levels rose and flooded its
habitat.
B The older reptile species went extinct because a predator was introduced into the
environment.
C The older reptile species went extinct because it could not compete with the
younger reptile species.
D The older reptile species went extinct because a volcanic eruption caused the
environment to change.
24. According to the picture above, which layer of
sedimentary rocks is the oldest?
A
B
C
D
Layer 4
Layer 3
Layer 2
Layer 1
24. According to the picture above, which layer of
sedimentary rocks is the oldest?
A
B
C
D
Layer 4
Layer 3
Layer 2
Layer 1
25. How can scientists learn about dinosaurs even
though they have been extinct for millions of years?
A
B
C
D
By studying fossil fuels found deep in the Earth
By studying fossils found all over the Earth
By studying places where erosion took place
By studying places where deposition took place
25. How can scientists learn about dinosaurs even
though they have been extinct for millions of years?
A
B
C
D
By studying fossil fuels found deep in the Earth
By studying fossils found all over the Earth
By studying places where erosion took place
By studying places where deposition took place
26. This rock contains fossils of water plants and
shells. What does this tell us about the rock?
A
B
C
D
The rock contains many living things.
The rock needs to be cleaned with water.
The rock is heavier than most rocks.
The rock was once at the bottom of the sea.
26. This rock contains fossils of water plants and
shells. What does this tell us about the rock?
A
B
C
D
The rock contains many living things.
The rock needs to be cleaned with water.
The rock is heavier than most rocks.
The rock was once at the bottom of the sea.
The picture below shows four different rock layers in a hillside.
27. What is the best evidence that one of these layers of rock
was formed under an ocean?
A
B
C
D
The thickness of the layer
The type of fossils in the layer
The number of caves in the layer
The height above sea level of the layer
The picture below shows four different rock layers in a hillside.
27. What is the best evidence that one of these layers of rock
was formed under an ocean?
A
B
C
D
The thickness of the layer
The type of fossils in the layer
The number of caves in the layer
The height above sea level of the layer
1
4
2
5
3
6
28. Study the diagram of the sedimentary rock layers shown
above. Which rock layers is probably the oldest?
A
B
C
D
Layer 1
Layer 3
Layer 4
Layer 6
1
4
2
5
3
6
28. Study the diagram of the sedimentary rock layers shown
above. Which rock layers is probably the oldest?
A
B
C
D
Layer 1
Layer 3
Layer 4
Layer 6
29. The picture shows a rock found in Texas. Which of the
following best illustrates that the rock was formed from ocean
sediments?
A
B
C
D
The number of fossils in the rock
The size of the fossils in the rock
The place where the rock was found
The type of fossils in the rock
29. The picture shows a rock found in Texas. Which of the
following best illustrates that the rock was formed from ocean
sediments?
A
B
C
D
The number of fossils in the rock
The size of the fossils in the rock
The place where the rock was found
The type of fossils in the rock
30. The cross-section illustrates the rock layers beneath a forest in the snow
covered mountains of Canada. Fossils of tropical jungle plants are found in
layer C. What conclusion can be drawn from this fact?
A
B
C
D
At some point in the past, this area was covered by water.
Plant life has not changed over the many years.
There is a large underground heated water supply beneath the forest.
This area used to have a different climate than it does now.
30. The cross-section illustrates the rock layers beneath a forest in the snow
covered mountains of Canada. Fossils of tropical jungle plants are found in
layer C. What conclusion can be drawn from this fact?
A
B
C
D
At some point in the past, this area was covered by water.
Plant life has not changed over the many years.
There is a large underground heated water supply beneath the forest.
This area used to have a different climate than it does now.
31. What do layers of rock tell about life on Earth in
the past?
A
B
C
D
Life on Earth has stayed the same.
Life on Earth has changed over long periods of time.
Only a few kinds of animals ever lived on Earth.
Dinosaurs were the first animals on Earth.
31. What do layers of rock tell about life on Earth in
the past?
A
B
C
D
Life on Earth has stayed the same.
Life on Earth has changed over long periods of time.
Only a few kinds of animals ever lived on Earth.
Dinosaurs were the first animals on Earth.
32. Which rock layer holds the youngest fossils?
A
B
C
D
Layer A
Layer B
Layer C
Layer D
32. Which rock layer holds the youngest fossils?
A
B
C
D
Layer A
Layer B
Layer C
Layer D
33. The rock shown below was most likely formed in a—
A
B
C
D
large freshwater lake
quick-flowing river
shallow ocean bay
backyard pond
33. The rock shown below was most likely formed in a—
A
B
C
D
large freshwater lake
quick-flowing river
shallow ocean bay
backyard pond
34. Which layer of rock contains the youngest
fossil remains?
A. shale
B. limestone
C. tilted layers of limestone
D. sandstone
Pectin seashell
fossils
Fish fossils
Turitella and
ammonite fossils
Basalt (lava)
sandstone
shale
limestone
tilted layers of
limestone
The correct answer is C: tilted
layer of limestone
The tilted layer of limestone
is layered on top of the
other formations, therefore
it must be younger than the
other layers of rock.
35. What story does this slice of the earth tell?
A. Lava from a volcano first covered the area. Trees then grew on the land. Lastly, an ocean covered the area.
B. An ocean first covered the area. The sea level then lowered and trees grew. Lastly lava from a volcano
covered the land.
C. Trees grew first on the land. Then the sea rose and killed the trees. Lastly, lava from a volcano covered the
land.
D. An ocean first covered the land. Then lava from a volcano covered the area. Lastly, trees grew on the land.
Fossil tree roots
Pectin seashell
fossils
Fish fossils
Basalt (lava)
Sedimentary layer
shale
tilted layers of
limestone
The correct answer is B.
An ocean first covered the area. The
sea level then lowered and trees grew.
Lastly lava from a volcano covered the
land.
• Each layer is deposited in a
certain order. The older the
rock is, the deeper it will be in
the crust. Since the oceanic
layers are on the bottom, it must
have been first.
Start of MS ?’s
36. During a museum field trip, students observe the fossil
remains of a woolly mammoth. The sign next to the fossil
remains is below:
Woolly Mammoth
(lived 1.65 million years to 10,000 years ago)
• Hairy coat, 3 feet long in places
• Thick layer of wool next to the skin
• Up to 4 inches of fat beneath the skin
• Small ears and a short tail
Based on the information on the sign, in which type of
environment did the woolly mammoth live?
A. Very hot and dry
B. Wet and humid
C. Warm and sunny
D. Cold and snowy
Start of MS ?’s
36. During a museum field trip, students observe the fossil
remains of a woolly mammoth. The sign next to the fossil
remains is below:
Woolly Mammoth
(lived 1.65 million years to 10,000 years ago)
• Hairy coat, 3 feet long in places
• Thick layer of wool next to the skin
• Up to 4 inches of fat beneath the skin
• Small ears and a short tail
Based on the information on the sign, in which type of
environment did the woolly mammoth live?
A. Very hot and dry
B. Wet and humid
C. Warm and sunny
D. Cold and snowy
37. In 1970, fossil remains of a Tyrannosaurus Rex were found in
Big Bend National Park. The Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils included
part of an upper jaw and some very sharp teeth. Which
conclusion is best supported by the discovery of these fossils?
A. The Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils were carried to Big Bend by a
river.
B. The Tyrannosaurus Rex became extinct because Big Bend was
uninhabitable.
C. The Tyrannosaurus Rex ate animals that were living in Big Bend.
D. The Tyrannosaurus Rex ate plants that were native to Big Bend.
37. In 1970, fossil remains of a Tyrannosaurus Rex were found in
Big Bend National Park. The Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils included
part of an upper jaw and some very sharp teeth. Which
conclusion is best supported by the discovery of these fossils?
A. The Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils were carried to Big Bend by a
river.
B. The Tyrannosaurus Rex became extinct because Big Bend was
uninhabitable.
C. The Tyrannosaurus Rex ate animals that were living in Big Bend.
D. The Tyrannosaurus Rex ate plants that were native to Big Bend.
38. Which of the following would be the best to
use when gathering information to identify
fossils as evidence of past living organisms?
A. Terrarium
B. Microscope
C. Computer
D. Collection Net
38. Which of the following would be the best to
use when gathering information to identify
fossils as evidence of past living organisms?
A. Terrarium
B. Microscope
C. Computer (to be able to gather all the information together)
D. Collection Net
39. Marine geologists conduct field investigations to collect
samples of fossils such as these pictured below.
Based on the information in the pictures, what conclusion can
be made about marine fossils and their environment?
A. They are animals that lived in caves.
B. They were plants that lived in caves.
C. They were plants that lived in the sea.
D. They were animals that lived in the sea.
39. Marine geologists conduct field investigations to collect
samples of fossils such as these pictured below.
Based on the information in the pictures, what conclusion can
be made about marine fossils and their environment?
A. They are animals that lived in caves.
B. They were plants that lived in caves.
C. They were plants that lived in the sea.
D. They were animals that lived in the sea.
40. All of the following are very helpful when
identifying evidence of past living plants EXCEPT—
A. a fossil of a plant from long ago which is now
changed to stone
B. an impression left by a plant that lived a very long
time ago
C. the remains of the plant replaced with minerals
D. a rock from the mantle located deep underneath
the Earth’s surface
40. All of the following are very helpful when
identifying evidence of past living plants EXCEPT—
A. a fossil of a plant from long ago which is now
changed to stone
B. an impression left by a plant that lived a very long
time ago
C. the remains of the plant replaced with minerals
D. a rock from the mantle located deep underneath
the Earth’s surface
Use the following story to answer the question:
Mineral Fossilization
When an organism died and becomes buried in sediment, mineral
fossilization may occur. Soft parts of the organism decay quickly,
while hard parts, such as bones, take more time. As water seeps
through the sediment and bone, minerals in the water begin to
replace the cells in the bone. It eventually turns into stone.
41. What type of conditions must be present for mineral
fossilization to occur?
A. wet climate
B. windy climate
C. dry climate
D. hot climate
Use the following story to answer the question:
Mineral Fossilization
When an organism died and becomes buried in sediment, mineral
fossilization may occur. Soft parts of the organism decay quickly,
while hard parts, such as bones, take more time. As water seeps
through the sediment and bone, minerals in the water begin to
replace the cells in the bone. It eventually turns into stone.
41. What type of conditions must be present for mineral
fossilization to occur?
A. wet climate
B. windy climate
C. dry climate
D. hot climate
Use the following story to answer the question:
Mineral Fossilization
When an organism died and becomes buried in sediment, mineral
fossilization may occur. Soft parts of the organism decay quickly, which hard
parts, such as bones, take more time. As water seeps through the sediment
and bone, minerals in the water begin to replace the cells in the bone. It
eventually turns into stone.
42. Can mineral fossilization occur without the presence of water?
A. Yes, because as long as the organism is buried, it can be fossilized.
B. Yes, because the water will eventually evaporate
C. No, because the water replaces cells in the bone and is a factor in mineral
fossilization.
D. No, because water is the only factor needed in order for an organism to
become fossilized.
Use the following story to answer the question:
Mineral Fossilization
When an organism died and becomes buried in sediment, mineral
fossilization may occur. Soft parts of the organism decay quickly, which hard
parts, such as bones, take more time. As water seeps through the sediment
and bone, minerals in the water begin to replace the cells in the bone. It
eventually turns into stone.
42. Can mineral fossilization occur without the presence of water?
A. Yes, because as long as the organism is buried, it can be fossilized.
B. Yes, because the water will eventually evaporate
C. No, because the water replaces cells in the bone and is a factor in mineral
fossilization.
D. No, because water is the only factor needed in order for an organism to
become fossilized.
43. Students are creating models of fossils during
science class. Which explains why scientist study
fossils?
A. Fossils help predict climate changes.
B. Fossils help keep species from becoming extinct.
C. Fossils help understand about past organisms and
their environments.
D. Fossils help understand what to expect in the
future.
43. Students are creating models of fossils during
science class. Which explains why scientist study
fossils?
A. Fossils help predict climate changes.
B. Fossils help keep species from becoming extinct.
C. Fossils help understand about past organisms and
their environments.
D. Fossils help understand what to expect in the
future.
44. An ancient fossil of a fish was found in a dry
area. What does this suggest about how this
area used to look?
A. The land was a dense forest.
B. The land was a dry dessert.
C. There was once water in the area.
D. The fossil was moved because there could not
have been water there in the past.
44. An ancient fossil of a fish was found in a dry
area. What does this suggest about how this
area used to look?
A. The land was a dense forest.
B. The land was a dry dessert.
C. There was once water in the area.
D. The fossil was moved because there could not
have been water there in the past.
45. When examining the sedimentary rock
layers to better understand the nature of a
fossil’s environment, which layer is considered
to have evidence of the oldest past living
organisms?
A. The top layer of rock
B. The middle layer of rock
C. The bottom layer of rock
D. The layer with topsoil
45. When examining the sedimentary rock
layers to better understand the nature of a
fossil’s environment, which layer is considered
to have evidence of the oldest past living
organisms?
A. The top layer of rock
B. The middle layer of rock
C. The bottom layer of rock
D. The layer with topsoil
46. After studying about fossils, as student said, “I
want to be a paleontologist when I grow up.” Which
describes the work of a paleontologist?
A. A paleontologist studies the remains of organisms
which have been fossilized.
B. A paleontologist studies cultures of the past.
C. A paleontologist is a park ranger.
D. A paleontologist is a scientist who studies living
things.
46. After studying about fossils, as student said, “I
want to be a paleontologist when I grow up.” Which
describes the work of a paleontologist?
A. A paleontologist studies the remains of organisms
which have been fossilized.
B. A paleontologist studies cultures of the past.
C. A paleontologist is a park ranger.
D. A paleontologist is a scientist who studies living
things.
Students were collecting data to determine if the objects they had collected were
true fossils. They created a table to organize their data. They were instructed to
place an X in the correct column to show whether each item was a fossil.
Fossil
Not a Fossil
Seashell found on beach
Petrified wood
Imprint of leaf in mud
Dog’s footprint
Bone turned to stone
47. Which two items would be marked with an X under the column labeled “Fossil”?
A. Seashell found on the beach & bone turned to stone.
B. Petrified wood & bone turned to stone.
C. Imprint of leaf in mud & dog’s footprint.
D. Petrified wood & seashell found on beach.
Students were collecting data to determine if the objects they had collected were
true fossils. They created a table to organize their data. They were instructed to
place an X in the correct column to show whether each item was a fossil.
Fossil
Not a Fossil
Seashell found on beach
Petrified wood
Imprint of leaf in mud
Dog’s footprint
Bone turned to stone
47. Which two items would be marked with an X under the column labeled “Fossil”?
A. Seashell found on the beach & bone turned to stone.
B. Petrified wood & bone turned to stone.
C. Imprint of leaf in mud & dog’s footprint.
D. Petrified wood & seashell found on beach.
48. After studying fossils, a student made the
following conclusion, “Fossils help us understand
past environments.” Was the student’s conclusion
valid?
A. Yes, because fossils are remains of plants and
animals of the past.
B. Yes, because fossils can no longer be formed.
C. No, because fossils do not give us a clue about past
environments.
D. No, because fossils can no longer be found.
48. After studying fossils, a student made the
following conclusion, “Fossils help us understand
past environments.” Was the student’s conclusion
valid?
A. Yes, because fossils are remains of plants and
animals of the past.
B. Yes, because fossils can no longer be formed.
C. No, because fossils do not give us a clue about past
environments.
D. No, because fossils can no longer be found.
49. “Most living things that die become fossils.” This
hypothesis was formed before learning about
fossils. Is it accurate?
A. Yes, because many fossils have been found.
B. Yes, because fossils can be easily formed.
C. No, because certain conditions need to be present
in order for fossils to form.
D. No, because no living things that die become
fossils.
49. “Most living things that die become fossils.” This
hypothesis was formed before learning about
fossils. Is it accurate?
A. Yes, because many fossils have been found.
B. Yes, because fossils can be easily formed.
C. No, because certain conditions need to be present
in order for fossils to form.
D. No, because no living things that die become
fossils.
50. Fossil remains of the Stegosaurus have been found in:
-Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado
-Southern India
-Western Europe
-China
-Southern Africa
Which conclusion can be made based on the locations of these
fossils?
A. The locations of these fossils findings once had very similar climates.
B. The Stegosaurus did not have a long life span.
C. The Stegosaurus was a plant-eating dinosaur.
D. The locations of these fossils findings once were under water.
50. Fossil remains of the Stegosaurus have been found in:
-Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado
-Southern India
-Western Europe
-China
-Southern Africa
Which conclusion can be made based on the locations of these
fossils?
A. The locations of these fossils findings once had very similar climates.
(Stegosauruses need a specific kind of climate to live in or they wouldn’t survive. So,
these places listed above must have had similar climates at one point in time if they
found Stegosauruses there.)
B. The Stegosaurus did not have a long life span.
C. The Stegosaurus was a plant-eating dinosaur.
D. The locations of these fossils findings once were under water.
51. The Permian Basin in West Texas has a dry and hot
climate. Fusulinid fossils, like the one pictured, have
been found in the Permian Basin. Fusulinids were
small saltwater organisms.
Which conclusion can best be made from the
discovery of the Fusulinid fossils?
A. Fusulinids used to live in dry, desert-like areas.
B. The Permian Basin used to be covered by water.
C. Fusulinids used to live in the ground.
D. The Permian Basin has always been dry and hot
51. The Permian Basin in West Texas has a dry and hot
climate. Fusulinid fossils, like the one pictured, have
been found in the Permian Basin. Fusulinids were
small saltwater organisms.
Which conclusion can best be made from the
discovery of the Fusulinid fossils?
A. Fusulinids used to live in dry, desert-like areas.
B. The Permian Basin used to be covered by water.
C. Fusulinids used to live in the ground.
D. The Permian Basin has always been dry and hot
52. Students were given instructions for an investigation
identifying and comparing fossils. They were also given the
data collected by the previous class. The teacher asked the
students to check the accuracy of the data collected by the
previous class. How can the students check the accuracy of
the data collected by the previous class?
A. Graph the data previously collected.
B. Repeat the investigation using the same instructions and
compare the data.
C. Change the instructions and start a new investigation.
D. Formulate a new hypothesis.
52. Students were given instructions for an investigation
identifying and comparing fossils. They were also given the
data collected by the previous class. The teacher asked the
students to check the accuracy of the data collected by the
previous class. How can the students check the accuracy of
the data collected by the previous class?
A. Graph the data previously collected.
B. Repeat the investigation using the same instructions and
compare the data.
C. Change the instructions and start a new investigation.
D. Formulate a new hypothesis.