GVSU GEO 112 - Exam 2 Prep

Front

What is the age of the famous Archaeopteryx fossil found in Germany?

Back

Jurassic

Front

What was the name of the ocean that separated Laurentia, Europe, and Gondwanaland in the Paleozoic Era, before the formation of Pangaea?

Back

Iapetus Ocean

Front

Was the K-T (or K-P) extinction the largest ever to occur in Earth history?

Back

False

Front

Which marine invertebrates were not common during the Late Paleozoic?

Back

Rudist bivalves

Front

Which animal is most closely related to humans based on genetic similarity?

Back

Marsupial mammal

Front

Define the term 'Paleozoic Era'.

Back

A geological era that lasted from about 541 to 252 million years ago, characterized by the emergence of diverse life forms.

Front

What is the significance of the Iapetus Ocean in geological history?

Back

It played a crucial role in the continental configurations before the formation of Pangaea.

Front

Explain the concept of extinction events in Earth's history.

Back

Extinction events are periods when a significant percentage of species die out, often due to catastrophic environmental changes.

Front

What are rudist bivalves and their importance in geological history?

Back

Rudist bivalves were reef-building organisms during the Late Cretaceous period, significant for understanding marine ecosystems.

Front

What is the relationship between synapsids and mammals?

Back

Synapsids are a group of animals that includes mammals and their ancestors, characterized by a single temporal fenestra in the skull.