Geologic Time Scale Practice

Front

Which layer is the oldest? Options: 1, 2, 3, 4

Back

4

Front

How is the geological time scale divided?

Back

Into eras, periods, and epochs based on significant events in Earth's history.

Front

How does a scientist know that layers Y and M are the same age?

Back

They have the same type of fossil.

Front

Determining the order of events and the relative age of rocks by examining the position of rocks in a sequence is called ____.

Back

relative dating

Front

Approximately how old is Earth?

Back

4.6 billion years old

Front

The break up of this super continent at the end of the mesozoic era, created large amounts of diversity on Earth.

Back

pangea

Front

What classifies a mass extinction?

Back

Happens in a relatively short period of time and is global

Front

Number of mass extinction events in Earth's history.

Back

5

Front

What type of rock do fossils form in?

Back

Sedimentary

Front

The hypothesis that evolution of a species occurs in periods of rapid change separated by periods of little or no change is called

Back

punctuated equilibrium

Answer explanation

Punctuated equilibrium is the hypothesis that species evolve in rapid bursts of change separated by periods of little or no change.