Geological Time Scale

Front

What is the Geologic Time Scale?

Back

The Geologic Time Scale is a record of the known history of rocks and fossils.

Front

What are the main divisions of geological time?

Back

Eons, Eras, and Epochs.

Front

What is an Epoch in geological terms?

Back

An Epoch is a subdivision of a period in geological history.

Front

In which era did Pangaea, the supercontinent, appear?

Back

Paleozoic Era.

Front

What is the difference between relative age and absolute age?

Back

Relative age is the age of a rock compared to other rocks, while absolute age is the actual age of a rock or fossil.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

In undisturbed layers of rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

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.

Front

What is the process of radiometric dating?

Back

Radiometric dating uses the decay of radioactive elements to determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils.

Front

What is the Precambrian Time?

Back

Precambrian Time is the earliest part of Earth's history, covering about 88% of geological time.

Front

What major events occurred during the Paleozoic Era?

Back

The formation of Pangaea and the emergence of many marine and terrestrial life forms.