History of Life on Earth

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What is absolute dating?

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A method used to estimate the age of fossils in years based on radioactive elements in certain rocks near the fossil.

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What is relative dating?

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A method used to determine whether a fossil formed before or after another fossil.

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What is the Mesozoic era known for?

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It is known as the Age of Reptiles, where reptiles evolved into many different species.

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What does extinction mean?

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It occurs when every individual of a species has died.

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What is the Cenozoic era?

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An era that began about 65 million years ago and continues today, dominated by mammals.

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What is the Precambrian time?

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The earliest part of Earth's history, before the Paleozoic era, lasting from the formation of Earth to about 541 million years ago.

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What is the Paleozoic era?

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An era that lasted from about 541 to 252 million years ago, known for the development of early life forms.

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What is the significance of fossils in understanding Earth's history?

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Fossils provide evidence of past life and help scientists understand the evolution of species over time.

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What is the process of evolution?

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The gradual change in species over time through natural selection and genetic variation.

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What is a fossil?

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The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rock.