Earth and

Life Science 11
Earth and Life Science – Grade 11
Quarter 1 – Module11: Evidence of the Past
First Edition, 2020

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Earth and
Life Science 11
Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 11
Evidence of the Past
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Earth and Life Science Self-Learning Module 10 on Evidence

of the Past

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
 For the Learner:

Welcome to the Earth and Life Science Self-Learning Module 11 on Evidence

of the Past

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest – This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

The module is about the evidence of the past

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Explain how relative and absolute dating were used to determine the
subdivisions of geologic time.
2. Determine the correlation of stratification to geologic time scale.
3. Classify the different types of fossils.
4. Appreciate the discovery of fossils that gave us a preview from the past.

PRETEST

Directions. Read the questions and encircle the letters of correct answers.

1. It states that the oldest rocks are found in the bottom layer of the Earth, the
oldest fossil also followed the same chronologically as they appear in the same
set of layers or strata.
a. Correlation c. Lithostratigraphic
b. Fossil Index d. Principle of succession

2. This type of fossil shows that the entire animals or plants are trapped or preserved
in ice, tar, and other materials.
a. True form fossil c. Cast fossil
b. Molds fossil d. Trace fossil

3. The remains of plants or animals from the past, it could be a part, print, or trace.
a. Correlation c. Fossil Index
b. Fossils d. Lithology

4. He was credited with discovering the principle of fossil succession.

a. Alfred Wegener c. John Walter
b. James Hutton d. William Smith

5. The word fossil comes from a Latin word fossus which means .
a. Ancient Spices c. Prehistoric Organism
b. Having been dug up d. Remains of organism
 RECAP
Complete the concept map.
Age of the Rock

A B

A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2

Note:
A – Determining the age of the rock by the chronological sequences of the rock
B – Determining the actual age of the rock
(A1 – A4) Different principles
(B1 – B2) kinds of dating used to determine the actual age

LESSON
CORRELATIONS
To determine the age of rock, the scientist use
relative dating. To identify the exact age, they use
absolute dating. This method is also used to
determine some geologic phenomena. Rock strata in
the different regions have a similar structure and
similar age. Matching up two or more geologic
phenomena or matching up rocks of similar ages in
a deferent region is called Correlation. This process
is used to develop a geologic time scale that applies
to the entire Earth. Overall appearance, the Figure 1: Image showing fossils that connect
thickness of the rock layer, color, mineral the continents of Gondwana (the southern
continents of Pangea). Wegener used
composition, and rock sequence are tentatively
correlation to help develop the idea of
correlated by the different separated rock layers. continental drift.

FOUR TYPES OF CORRELATION

1. Stratigraphic correlation – the process of establishing which sedimentary
strata or layers are at the same age at distant geographic areas using their
stratigraphic relationships. Mapping and making stratigraphic columns are
constructed by the geologies to determine the geologic history. This
stratigraphic column is a detailed description of strata from the bottom to the
top.
 Figure 2 Shows the stratigraphic correlation which established sedimentary rock ages

2. Lithostratigraphic Correlation – Establishes similar age of strata based on

lithology. Lithology refers to the physical characteristics of rock, such as color,
mineralogy, and grain size. Lithos comes from a Greek word stone and -logy
which means doctrine or to study. It is used to correlate long-distance and
smaller strata formation to trace their regional depositional environments.

Figure 3: This image shows that the

stratification of rock is the same even in
different region.

3. Chronostratigraphic Correlation – this type of correlation matches the rock

of the same age, even though they are made of different lithologies. the
sedimentary rock can form at the same time but different locations because
the depositional environment very geographically.

Figure 4: A chronostratigraphic correlation. The

rocks are matching base on the same age, even
have different lithology and region.

4. Biostratigraphic correlation – It uses index fossils to determine strata ages.

Index fossils represent a group of fossils. This group of organisms was
uniquely present during specific intervals.

Figure 5: Showing the index fossil with

corresponding geological time
FOSSILS
Another method used to determine the age of rock and to determine some
geologic phenomena is the discovery of fossils. Fossils are the remains of plants or
animals from the past, it could be a part, print, or trace. The word fossil comes from
the Latin word fossus, which means “having been dug up”. The information that
we get from the fossils will help us to understand the evolution and life in general.
Geologists use the information descends from the fossil to determine and classify the
subdivisions of geologic time scale.
Every living organism decomposed when it dies and will not likely be preserved
in the geologic record except under unusual conditions. The fossil record is
incomplete and records only a small percentage of life exists because of some
environmental factors and conditions. The ocean is one of the best environments for
preservation, yet marine processes can dissolve the hard parts that can reduce or
eliminate the remains. In terrestrial, the remains are buried, and the preservation is
even more limited.
Fossils can be categorized into two; Fossilized body parts and Fossilized trace.
1. Fossilized body parts – the fossils are from bones, claws, teeth, skin,
embryos, and other parts of living organisms.
2. Fossilized traces – Also known as ichnofossils which are footprints, nest,
feces, or toothmarks of living organisms.

Four types of fossils.

5. True form fossil – The entire animals or plants are trapped or preserved in
ice, tar, and other materials.
6. Molds fossil – It is a hallow impression of the living organism remain in the
rock. It reflects and the surface marking of the organism.
7. Cast Fossil – his fossil is created when molds fossils get filled with minerals.
This mineral hardens and forms a replica of the original fossil.
8. Trace fossil or ichnofossil – this is the impression of rocks that shows
various activities. This type of fossils can be footprints, eggs, or nest of
animals.

Figure 8: A true form Figure 8: A molds and cast in Figure 8: displays fossilized footprint
fossil showing a an Alum shale. a fossil from tracks, these are often found in mud like
spider trapped in an Mesozoic Era sediment that have almost been ‘baked’ in
amber position. Depth of the prints can provide us
with info about the sediments composition
and the animal that left the prints.
PRINCIPLE OF FOSSIL SUCCESSION

The remain of prehistoric life intruded in sedimentary rocks are important

time indicators and play an important role in correlating rocks of similar ages.
Paleontologists use the principle of fossil succession which states that the oldest
rocks are found in the bottom layer of the Earth, the oldest fossil also followed the
same chronologically as they appear in the same set of layers or strata. The kind of
fossils found in rocks of different ages will also differ since life on Earth has changed
through time.
By the late 1700s, an English surveyor and engineer William Smith was
credited with discovering the principle of fossil succession. He notices that the
sedimentary strata are correlated and that each layer in the wherever region was
characterized by its unique fossil content. Fossil alone is not the basis of his rock
succession rather he defined and named the rock units according to their Lithology.
Lithology refers to the physical characteristics of rock, such as color, mineralogy,
and grain size. This was becoming his basis for collecting and studying fossils within.
This was becoming his basis for collecting and studying fossils within.
Some of the fossils are mostly useful in telling time, these are called Index
fossils. Once the fossils are recognized as a time indicator, they are also used in
correlating rock strata in a similar age in different regions. The span of geologic time
is also associated with index fossils.

ACTIVITIES

I. Identify the types of fossil of the following pictures. Write your answer on the
space provided.

1. 5.

2. 6.

3. 7.

4. 8.
 II. Read and understand the following numbers, use the figure below, and write
your answer on the space provided.

1. Describe the principle of superposition. (recall previews topic)

2. Using the principles of superposition, write the rock layer from oldest to youngest.

3. Observe the picture above, identify the correlation of site 1 to site 2. Write the
matching letters only.

4. Observe the fossils as the layers become younger. Describe the climate in the area
over time.

III. Correlate the rocks from a different region (Outcrop A-C). Using your
knowledge of the principle of superposition and Lithostratigraphic Correlation
write the age of the rock from oldest to youngest. Write your answer on the
space provided.
Youngest rock layer

Oldest rock Layer

 WRAP-UP

Direction: Identification. Write the correct answer on the space provided.

1. This fossil is created when molds fossils get filled with minerals. This
mineral hardens and forms a replica of the original fossil.

2. The remains of plants or animals from the past, it could be a part,

print, or trace.
3. It states that the oldest rocks are found in the bottom layer of the
Earth, the oldest fossil also followed the same chronologically as they appear in the
same set of layers or strata.
4. Matching up two or more geologic phenomena or matching up
rocks of similar ages in a deferent region
5. The entire animals or plants are trapped or preserved in ice, tar, and
other materials.

6. the physical characteristics of rock, such as color, mineralogy, and

grain size.

VALUING

The oldest human fossils in the Philippines

found in Callao cave in Cagayan Valley. An
Archeologist name Dr. Armand Salvador Mijares
and his team found Seven teeth and six small bone
which is later identified as a Hominin (part of a
large group of primates). This hominin is named as
Homo luzonensis, that live on the island of Luzon
50 000 - 67 years-age.
The discovery of Dr. Mijares and his team lead back our timeline from the
earliest human settlement in the island of the Philippines.
Supposed you are asked to promote the archeological site in the Philippines
where the Homo luzonensis in Callao cave is located and you are asked to prepare
a brochure of the promotion.
Prepare simple brochure to the Philippine Archeological site.
 POSTTEST

Direction: Encircle the letter of the best answer.

1. Which of the following is the main reason why index fossils are very
important?
a. It can determine the exact age of the rock
b. It can match the rock of the same age in a different region.
c. It can easily determine why some organisms become extinct.
d. It can identify the organisms that did not leave fossil evidence behind

2. It is used as a time indicator also used in correlating rock strata in a similar

age in different regions.
a. Correlation c. Lithostratigraphic
b. Index fossils d. Principle of fossil succession

3. Which of the following is not an example of molds fossil?

a. c.

b. d.

4. Which of the following statements is true?

a. All living organism can be a fossil
b. Fossils structure can give the age of the rock
c. Rock strata in the different regions have a similar structure and
similar age.
d. Geologists use the information from the fossil to identify the
subdivisions of the geologic time scale.

5. Observe the picture below, all rock strata in each location are correlated.
Which statement explains why?

a. All locations are prehistoric.

b. All locations have same rock strata
c. All locations have common distinct fossil
d. All locations have different stratifications
 KEY TO CORRECTION

References
“Fossils.” In Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed July 18, 2020.
https://www.britannica.com/animal/Bauria.

“Fossils.” National Geographic. Accessed July 18, 2020.

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/fossil/.

“TYPES OF FOSSILS AND WHAT THEY TELL US ABOUT THE DINOSAURS.”

Enchanted Learning. Accessed July 18, 2020.
https://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/dinofossils/Fossilt
ypes.html.

Canteros, Juan Carlos. Fossil Foot Print. March 7, 2014. Word Press.
https://i2.wp.com/ichef.bbci.co.uk/naturelibrary/images/ic/credit/640x395
/t/tr/trace_fossil/trace_fossil_1.jpg?zoom=2.
Correlation. June 9, 2020. Libre Text. http://opengeology.org/textbook/wp-
content/uploads/2019/05/07.4_Grand_Staircase_Correlation-768x218.jpg.

Faunal Sucession. Wikipedia Commons. matanya, January 6, 2012.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Faunal_sucession.j
pg.

Index Fossil. June 9, 2020. Libre Text.

https://geo.libretexts.org/@api/deki/files/7580/07.21_index_fossils.gif?revisi
on=1&size=bestfit&width=708&height=559.

Index Fossil. USSG. Publications services, July 28, 1997.

https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/geotime/fossils.html.

Johnson, Chris, Mathew Affolter, Paul Inkenbrandt, and Cam Mosher. “Fossils and
Evolution.” Libre Text. open Geoogy, April 2, 2020.
https://geo.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Geology/Book%3A_An_Introduction_t
o_Geology_(Johnson%2C_Affolter%2C_Inkenbrandt%2C_and_Mosher)/07%3A
_Geologic_Time/7.03%3A_Fossils_and_Evolution.

Johnson, Chris, Mathew Affolter, Paul Inkenbrandt, and Cam Mosher.

“Correlations” Libre Text. open Geoogy, June 9, 2020.
https://geo.libretexts.org/Courses/Gettysburg_College/Book%3A_An_Introdu
ction_to_Geology_(Johnson%2C_Affolter%2C_Inkenbrandt%2C_and_Mosher)/
14%3A_Geologic_Time/14.04%3A_Correlation

Kolak, Marynia. “What Is the Principle of Fossil Succession?” Sciencing, April 24,
2017. https://sciencing.com/principle-fossil-succession-5121877.html.