4th Grade Science : Identify patterns of change in fossils and rock layers

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 4th Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

Which section of this rock formation would be the oldest?

Cyprus, Cavo Greko, Sea Caves, Window

Possible Answers:

The top layer is the oldest.

The middle layer is the oldest.

The oldest layer no longer exists.

The bottom layer is the oldest.

Correct answer:

The bottom layer is the oldest.

Explanation:

The section of rock that is the oldest is at the bottom of the formation. The graphic shown has a change in color as the rock formation changes in age. The darkest portion at the bottom is the oldest; then it gets lighter as the rock gets newer, the newest portion is the orange/tan section at the top. Each layer of rock has been exposed, weathered, and eroded over time.

Example Question #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

In which of Earth's layer would there most likely be a yellow shade of rock?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 2.18.19 pm

Possible Answers:

Limestone

Sandstone

Granite

Basalt

Correct answer:

Sandstone

Explanation:

This data table provides information about the different characteristics of each of Earth's layers. Each layer has individual features and changes the patterns and appearance of the rock formations. The only layer which has a yellow color is made of sandstone. Using the process of elimination, this could be determined from the table.

Example Question #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

These fossils were found in the Earth's layer made of what type of rock?


Fossil, Museum, Ammonite.     Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 2.18.19 pm

Possible Answers:

Shale

Aquatic (water) animal fossils

Limestone

Terrestrial (land) animal fossils

Correct answer:

Aquatic (water) animal fossils

Explanation:

These are fossils of shells leftover from aquatic creatures, so they would be found in the marine (water) animal layer. They would not be found where land animals lived or in areas of magma or volcanic ash. There are changes in fossils depending on their location and which Earth layer they are located in.

Example Question #2 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

Which answer choice has the rock layers listed in the correct order from oldest to newest?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 4.11.39 pm

Possible Answers:

A, B, C, G, F, D, E

G, F, E, D, C, B, A

A, B, C, D, E, F, G

F, G, A, B, C, E, D

Correct answer:

G, F, E, D, C, B, A

Explanation:

The rock layers change through the years, and their location within the formation can assist scientists and researchers learn how old each layer is. The oldest layers are at the bottom of the structure, and the newest layers are at the top. The correct order is G, F, E, D, C, B, A.

Example Question #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

True or False: The photo below depicts no changes to the rock layers over time.

Screen shot 2020 09 14 at 11.52.01 am

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

The section of rock that is the oldest is at the bottom of the formation. The graphic shown has a change in color as the rock formation changes in age. The darkest portion at the bottom is the oldest; then it gets lighter as the rock gets newer; the newest part is the orange/tan section at the top. Each layer of rock has been exposed, weathered, and eroded over time. The statement in the question is false; this rock formation depicts changes over time.

Example Question #2 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

Which section of this rock formation would be the newest?

Screen shot 2020 08 27 at 4.00.07 pm

Possible Answers:

Basalt Dike

Slate

Sandstone

Limestone

Siltstone

Correct answer:

Siltstone

Explanation:

The section of rock at the top of the formation would be the newest or youngest stone. The oldest layers start at the bottom, and they are more recent (younger) as they move upwards.

Example Question #3 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

In which of Earth's layer would there most likely be a cylindrical shaped particles of rock?

Screen shot 2020 09 14 at 12.42.17 pm

Possible Answers:

Granite

Terrestrial animal fossils

Shale

Aquatic animal fossils

Sandstone

Correct answer:

Terrestrial animal fossils

Explanation:

This data table provides information about the different characteristics of each of Earth's layers. Each layer has individual features and changes the patterns and appearance of the rock formations. The only layer which has cylindrical shaped particles of rock is made of terrestrial animal fossils. Using the process of elimination, this could be determined from the table.

Example Question #4 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

Mrs. Elsa claims that the graphic shown below demonstrates a change in the rock layers. She says that they should be lined up with the same color in each row but there has been a shift.

Which natural disaster could cause this change in rock layers that would support Mrs. Elsa's claim?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 3.41.22 pm

Possible Answers:

Typhoon

Earthquake

Hurricane

Tornado

Correct answer:

Earthquake

Explanation:

Mrs. Elsa is correct, and the graphic supports her claim. The rock layers should be lined up where the same colors are next to each other, but there has been a shift in the layers caused by an earthquake. When an earthquake shakes the rock formations, the layers are shifted, and there is a disruption in their pattern. This cannot be reversed. It provides scientists with evidence that there was once an earthquake in this area and gives them useful information.

Example Question #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

True or False: The marine fossils pictured below were found in an inland desert. This proves that the environment has changed over time.

Screen shot 2020 09 14 at 12.53.08 pm

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

Fossils are a good representation of what the environment was at the time the organism died. If these fossils are of marine creatures, that means they were living in an area that was underwater or near the water. The site is currently described as an inland desert, so the environment has changed over time, making the statement correct.

Example Question #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

Which section of this rock formation would be the oldest?

Screen shot 2020 09 14 at 1.00.01 pm

Possible Answers:

Section G

Section A

Section C

Section D

Correct answer:

Section G

Explanation:

The rock layers change through the years, and their location within the formation can assist scientists and researchers learn how old each layer is. The oldest layers are at the bottom of the structure, and the newest layers are at the top. Section G is the oldest layer of the rock.

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