Geological History of NYS

Approximately 2.2 billion years ago, which gas was first added in large amounts to Earth's atmosphere from life-forms that evolved in the oceans?

• Carbon Dioxide

• Water Vapor

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

The geologic time line below represents the three most recent geologic eras. The numbers represent events in Earth's history. Which number best represents when humans are inferred to have first appeared on Earth?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

The division of Earth's geologic history into units of time called eons, eras, periods, and epochs is based on

• absolute dating techniques

• fossil evidence

• climatic changes

• seismic data

Trilobite fossils were recently discovered in Himalayan Mountain bedrock. During which geologic period could these organisms have lived?

• Neogene

• Cretaceous

• Triassic

• Cambrian

When did the Jurassic Period end?

• 66 million years ago

• 144 million years ago

• 163 million years ago

• 190 million years ago

What is the estimated age of Earth?

• 4.6 × 106 years

• 4.6 × 107 years

• 4.6 × 108 years

• 4.6 × 10⁹ years

Base your answer on the map below. The map represents the movement of tectonic plates that resulted in the collision of India with Asia. Scientists believe that 71 million years ago, India was at position A. Which life-forms were living on Earth when India was at position A?

• dinosaurs

• humans

• trilobites

• armored fishes

Studies of the rock record suggest that

• the period during which humans have existed is very brief compared to geologic time

• evidence of the existence of humans is present over much of the geologic past

• humans first appeared at the time of the intrusion of the Palisades sill

• the earliest humans lived at the same time as the dinosaurs

The map below shows the distribution of ash across the United States as a result of the May 18, 1980 volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens. Volcanic ash deposits such as these are usually excellent geologic time markers because they

• occur at regular time intervals

• represent a time gap in the rock record

• spread over a large area in a short amount of time

• contain index fossils from different time periods

Which index fossil has been found in Ordovician-age bedrock?

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