Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperatures - ES - LS - Interdependent Relationships

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5 Nsɛmmisa

Hyɛ no nsow a efi ɔkyerɛwfo no hɔ:

Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Life Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.

Akwankyerɛ

Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Life Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.

Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperatures

Shells from marine organisms such as clams, corals, and foraminifera contain oxygen isotopes that record information about the temperature of the water in which the animals lived. The ratio of the heavier isotope (O-18) to the lighter one (O-16) in shell calcium carbonate changes depending on ocean temperature:

More O-18 means colder water,

More O-16 means warmer water.

When scientists measure the oxygen isotope ratio (expressed as $\delta^{18}\text{O}$) in fossil shells, they can reconstruct ancient ocean temperatures. For example, lower $\delta^{18}\text{O}$ values in Cretaceous shells (~90 million years ago) indicate that oceans were much warmer than they are today.

Core samples drilled from ocean sediments contain thousands of microscopic fossil shells from different time periods. By analyzing $\delta^{18}\text{O}$ values through these layers, scientists can create a continuous record of ocean temperature change over tens of millions of years. These data show distinct cooling trends near the end of the Eocene (about 34 million years ago), marking the transition to a cooler global climate and the formation of Antarctic ice sheets.

This isotope evidence links biological fossils with environmental change: the shells tell us that marine life once lived in much warmer oceans, and that ocean temperature - and therefore global climate - has changed dramatically over time.

Table 1.

Time (Millions of Years Ago)	$\delta^{18}O \\ (\permil \\ \text{vs. PDB})$	Inferred Ocean Temperature (^oC)
100	-1	24
80	-0.5	22
60	0	20
40	1	16
20	2	12
0	3	10

Graph of Information - Figure 1.

Graph showing change in δ18O of fossil shells over time, with higher δ18O indicating colder oceans.

Graph of Information - Figure 2.

Graph showing the relationship between δ18O values and inferred ocean temperature from fossil shell isotope data.

Ɛhia

Make a claim, provide the evidence, and explain your reasoning for the statement:

“Shell fossils can be used to infer ancient ocean temperatures.”

Respond with a clear claim, at least one piece of evidence from the passage, table, or graphs, and reasoning that links the evidence to your claim.

DOK 3

3-LS4-1

Ɛhia

Refer to Table 1 in the Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperature resource.

Describe the relationship between oxygen isotope values ($\delta^{18}O$) and inferred ocean temperature over time.

DOK 2

3-LS4-1

Ɛhia

Which statement best explains how fossils help scientists learn about ancient environments?

Fossils tell scientists what animals looked like, but not where they lived.

Fossil shells contain chemical evidence that records the temperature of ancient oceans.

Fossils form only in deserts, so they reveal information about dry environments.

Shell fossils show only when an animal died, not its environment.

DOK 1

3-LS4-1

Ɛhia

What can scientists learn about Earth’s climate from the isotope data in fossil shells?

Climate has stayed the same for 100 million years.

Oceans were once much warmer, and Earth’s climate has cooled over time.

All fossil shells form in cold water.

Oxygen isotopes only show how old the fossils are.

DOK 2

3-ESS2-2

Ɛhia

Explain how ocean temperature changes over time could have influenced which marine species survived and which became extinct.

DOK 3

3-LS4-2

Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperatures - ES - LS - Interdependent Relationships

Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperatures - ES - LS - Interdependent Relationships

Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperatures

Table 1.

Graph of Information - Figure 1.

Graph of Information - Figure 2.

Make a claim, provide the evidence, and explain your reasoning for the statement:“Shell fossils can be used to infer ancient ocean temperatures.”Respond with a clear claim, at least one piece of evidence from the passage, table, or graphs, and reasoning that links the evidence to your claim.

Refer to Table 1 in the Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperature resource.Describe the relationship between oxygen isotope values ($\delta^{18}O$) and inferred ocean temperature over time.

Which statement best explains how fossils help scientists learn about ancient environments?

What can scientists learn about Earth’s climate from the isotope data in fossil shells?

Explain how ocean temperature changes over time could have influenced which marine species survived and which became extinct.

Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperatures

Table 1.

Graph of Information - Figure 1.

Graph of Information - Figure 2.

Make a claim, provide the evidence, and explain your reasoning for the statement:“Shell fossils can be used to infer ancient ocean temperatures.”Respond with a clear claim, at least one piece of evidence from the passage, table, or graphs, and reasoning that links the evidence to your claim.

Refer to Table 1 in the Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperature resource.Describe the relationship between oxygen isotope values ($\delta^{18}O$) and inferred ocean temperature over time.

Which statement best explains how fossils help scientists learn about ancient environments?

What can scientists learn about Earth’s climate from the isotope data in fossil shells?

Explain how ocean temperature changes over time could have influenced which marine species survived and which became extinct.

Refer to Table 1 in the Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperature resource.

Describe the relationship between oxygen isotope values ($\delta^{18}O$) and inferred ocean temperature over time.

Refer to Table 1 in the Shell Fossils and Ocean Temperature resource.

Describe the relationship between oxygen isotope values ($\delta^{18}O$) and inferred ocean temperature over time.