Age of Earth Flashcard 1

Front

What is extrusion in geology?

Back

Extrusion is the process where lava erupts onto the Earth's surface and hardens to form igneous rock.

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What can scientists learn from studying fossils?

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Scientists can learn how life changed over time by studying the relationships between fossils.

Front

What is intrusion in geology?

Back

Intrusion is the process where magma pushes into rock layers below the Earth's surface and cools to form igneous rock.

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What are index fossils?

Back

Index fossils are fossils that are widespread and have a relatively short lifespan, making them useful for identifying the relative age of rock.

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How does the fossil record support the theory of evolution?

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The fossil record shows that organisms slowly change over time, supporting the theory of evolution.

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What is the significance of studying rock layers?

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Studying rock layers helps scientists understand the history of the Earth and the age of different geological formations.

Front

Define igneous rock.

Back

Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

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What is the difference between magma and lava?

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Magma is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, while lava is magma that has erupted onto the surface.

Front

What role do fossils play in understanding Earth's history?

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Fossils provide evidence of past life and help scientists reconstruct the history of life on Earth.

Front

What is relative dating in geology?

Back

Relative dating is a method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another.