Geologic Time

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What is Geologic Time?

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Geologic Time is the timeline of Earth's history, divided into different intervals based on significant geological and biological events.

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What are the four main eons of Geologic Time?

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The four main eons are: Hadean, Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic.

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What is the Precambrian period?

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The Precambrian period is the earliest part of Earth's history, covering about 88% of the planet's timeline, before the Cambrian period.

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What are index fossils?

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Index fossils are fossils that are abundant, easily recognizable, short-lived, and widespread, used to date the rock layers in which they are found.

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What is the Law of Superposition?

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The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

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What is the Cenozoic Era?

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The Cenozoic Era is the most recent era in the geologic time scale, known as the 'Age of Mammals'.

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rocks.

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What is relative dating?

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Relative dating is a method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another, without exact dates.

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What is absolute dating?

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Absolute dating is a method used to determine the exact age of a rock or fossil, often using techniques like radioactive dating.

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What is the Paleozoic Era known for?

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The Paleozoic Era is known for the emergence of fish, amphibians, and the first land plants.