1. Beach, followed by a forest
What Happened Before
Earth and Space 1
Fossil trees were discovered in a sedimentary rock layer. In the rock layer below are fossils of clams, similar to clams that are currently found on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
Based on this evidence, we could conclude that the area where the fossils were discovered had what sequence of climates in the past? A
Beach, followed by a forest B
Rocky and dry, then very moist C
Forest, and later a mountain D
Very cold area, then much warmer
5.7D

2. The time when the rock appears to have formed
What Happened Before
Earth and Space 2
Geologists discovered a layer of rock formed millions of years in the past. Which of the following would provide the best evidence of what the environment was like when the rock formed? A
The time when the rock appears to have formed B
The sediments from which the rock is made C
The fossil plants and animals found in the rock D
The kinds of rocks above and below the rock layer 3
Finding fossils of what kind of organism in the rock layers below a forest would lead to the conclusion that the area long ago had a large lake? A
Tall trees B
Small reptiles C
Flowering plants D
Freshwater fish

3. The tables here give information on animal and plant fossils.
What Happened Before
Earth and Space 4
The tables here give information on animal and plant fossils.
Based on the information in the tables, which two fossils would most likely be found together in the same rock? A
Fish skull and cactus B
Mouse skull and seaweed C
Alligator toe bone and fern D
Shark’s tooth and marsh grass

4. Fossils are best used as evidence about which of these?
What Happened Before
Earth and Space 5
Fossils are best used as evidence about which of these? A
The processes that change rocks over time B
How best to conserve natural resources C
The plants and animals that lived long ago D
What forces drive the water cycle on Earth