Geologic Time Scale

Front

What is the Geologic Time Scale?

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A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time, used by geologists and other Earth scientists to describe the timing and relationships of events in Earth's history.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What are the two main methods used for determining the age of rocks and fossils?

Back

Relative and Absolute Dating.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is Relative Dating?

Back

A method of determining the age of rocks or fossils by comparing them to other rocks or fossils in a sequence.

Front

What is Absolute Dating?

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A method of determining the exact age of a rock or fossil through techniques such as radiometric dating.

Front

What is Radiometric Dating?

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A technique used to date materials by comparing the abundance of a radioactive isotope to its decay products.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Front

What is an Index Fossil?

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A fossil that is used to define and identify a particular time period in the geologic time scale, typically widespread and existing for a short duration.

Front

What characteristics make a good index fossil?

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It is widespread and existed for a short period of time.

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During which era did dinosaurs live?

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Mesozoic Era.

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What is the most recent era in Earth's history?

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Cenozoic Era.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the Paleozoic Era known for?

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It is known for the emergence of fish, amphibians, and the first reptiles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2