Question 1

Which of the following best explains why RNA is hypothesized to be the original genetic material rather than DNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA can both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions.

Question 2

According to the principle of superposition, which statement is correct about sedimentary rock layers?

Accepted Answer

The oldest layers are found at the bottom of a sequence.

Question 3

Which process is responsible for the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Accepted Answer

Transformation by heat and pressure.

Question 4

Uniformitarianism is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The concept that processes occurring today are the same as those in the past.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT one of Steno’s Laws?

Accepted Answer

Principle of Catastrophism

Question 6

A sedimentary rock layer is found to be cut by an igneous intrusion. According to Steno’s laws, which is older?

Accepted Answer

The sedimentary rock is older.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the process of radiometric dating?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the ratio of stable to unstable isotopes to determine the age of a rock.

Question 8

The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for:

Accepted Answer

Half of the parent atoms to decay to stable daughter elements.

Question 9

Why can carbon-14 dating only be used for organic samples that are a few thousand years old?

Accepted Answer

C-14 decays too quickly to be useful for very old samples.

Question 10

Which of the following is the best-supported hypothesis for the extinction of the dinosaurs?

Accepted Answer

A large asteroid impact that caused global environmental changes.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of an index fossil?

Accepted Answer

A fossil species that is widespread, abundant, and limited to a short span of geologic time.

Question 12

How does the principle of fossil succession help geologists correlate rock layers?

Accepted Answer

By identifying the same sequence of fossils in different locations.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about plate tectonics is correct?

Accepted Answer

Plate movements can cause mountain building, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT evidence supporting the theory of plate tectonics?

Accepted Answer

Uniform distribution of all rock types across the globe.

Question 15

If a sedimentary rock layer is tilted, which Steno’s law helps you determine that the tilting occurred after the layer was deposited?

Accepted Answer

Principle of Original Horizontality

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the sequence of events for the origin of life on Earth according to current hypotheses?

Accepted Answer

Abiotic synthesis of small organic molecules, joining into macromolecules, packaging into protobionts, origin of self-replicating molecules.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct interpretation of the Principle of Original Lateral Continuity?

Accepted Answer

Sedimentary layers extend laterally in all directions until they thin out or encounter a barrier.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about mass extinctions is correct?

Accepted Answer

There have been at least five major mass extinctions, supported by fossil evidence.

Question 19

A fossil is found in a rock layer that is above a layer containing a known index fossil from the Jurassic period. What can you infer about the age of the fossil?

Accepted Answer

It is younger than the Jurassic period.

Question 20

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship used in radiometric dating to determine the age of a rock sample?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ e$$^{-\lambda t}$$

The History of Life on Earth – Study Notes (Campbell Biology Ch. 25)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards