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Lab Solve a Sed Layer Puzzle

The document outlines an Earth Systems Lab activity focused on reconstructing sedimentary rock layers to understand the history of life on Earth. Students are instructed to arrange cut-out strips representing different sedimentary layers based on fossil evidence, analyze the organisms present, and answer related questions. The activity emphasizes the relationship between fossils and geological time periods, including extinction events and survival of species.

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3 views

Lab Solve a Sed Layer Puzzle

The document outlines an Earth Systems Lab activity focused on reconstructing sedimentary rock layers to understand the history of life on Earth. Students are instructed to arrange cut-out strips representing different sedimentary layers based on fossil evidence, analyze the organisms present, and answer related questions. The activity emphasizes the relationship between fossils and geological time periods, including extinction events and survival of species.

Uploaded by

99t579nkc7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name ______________________________________________________ Period ______

Partner ____________________________________________________

EARTH SYSTEMS LAB:


SOLVE A SEDIMENTARY LAYERS PUZZLE
Did you know that the history of life on Earth is told through rocks? Over millions of years,
sediments such as sand and silt were laid down and compressed to form sedimentary rock layers. They
preserve a record of ancient landscapes, climates, and organisms.
Scientists often determine the correct sequence of sedimentary rock layers using the fossils found
within them. They compare the fossils to figure out if two layers are from the same geologic time period
or if one layer is older than the other.

Purpose: Try reconstructing the layers below using the same strategy.

Procedure:
1. Cut out the strips on the separate sheet. Each represent a sedimentary rock layer formed during a
certain time period.
2. Place the layers in the correct order. Begin by placing “B”, the oldest layer” on the bottom. Then
decide what layer comes next. It will have some of the same organisms as the older layer and
some new ones. HINT: Organisms do NOT disappear for a layer and then reappear.
3. Once you have them in the correct order, glue/tape them to the blank paper provided.
4. Then answer the analysis questions.

Analysis:
1. Look at the fossils within each layer. What plants and animals lived during all the same time
periods?

2. Compare the layers to explore the changing plant and animal groups throughout Earth’s history.
Which organisms survived from one time period to the next?

3. Which organisms went extinct?

4. Could Tarbosaurus have hunted Seismosaurus? _______

5. What organisms survived the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous Period?

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