Geologic Time Scale

Front

What is the Geologic Time Scale?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What are the main divisions of the Geologic Time Scale?

Back

Eons, Eras, Periods, Epochs.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

Which ERA was mainly dominated by dinosaurs?

Back

Mesozoic.

Front

What is the smallest unit of geologic time?

Back

Period.

Front

In what Era do we currently live?

Back

Cenozoic.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in the Geologic Time Scale?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life and help to date the layers of rock in which they are found.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is an Eon in the context of the Geologic Time Scale?

Back

The largest division of geological time, lasting hundreds of millions to billions of years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is an Era in the context of the Geologic Time Scale?

Back

A subdivision of an Eon, lasting tens to hundreds of millions of years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is a Period in the context of the Geologic Time Scale?

Back

A subdivision of an Era, lasting millions of years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the difference between a Period and an Epoch?

Back

An Epoch is a smaller division of time within a Period.