The River Loop Trail at Black Hawk State Historic Site

question 59

Essay

The River Loop Trail at Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island, Illinois, has exposures revealing nearly 130 million years of geologic history.At the base of the hill is Devonian-aged limestone containing brachiopods and bryozoans.Above the limestone is Pennsylvanian-aged shale, with an unconformity between the two.The black shale is rich with fossils of ferns and marsh grasses.Directly on top of the shale is Pennsylvanian-aged sandstone.Using the geologic materials described, determine the environment of deposition for each unit.How has the overall environment changed from the Devonian to the end of the Pennsylvanian?

Recognize the role of continental drift in shaping the distribution of species.

Comprehend the structure and purpose of a cladogram in illustrating evolutionary relationships.

Describe the role of biogeography in the study of evolution.

Understand the evidence of evolution provided by fossils and the methods used for dating fossils.

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Definitions:

I Data

Information derived from an individual's experiences, behaviors, and characteristics, often used in psychological studies.

Knowledgeable Observers

Individuals with extensive understanding or insight in a particular domain, often called upon to provide evaluations or assessments based on their expertise.

Fish-and-Water Effect

A phenomenon where individuals are unaware of the prevalent cultural or environmental conditions that influence their behavior, similar to how fish may not recognize they are in water.

Self-verification

The desire and tendency of individuals to seek confirmation of their self-concept, whether positive or negative, from the external world.