History of Life

When did scientists estimate that earth came into existence?

• 3.8 BYA

• 4.6 BYA

• 2.5 BYA

• 1.2 BYA

What is the purpose of a geological timescale?

• To study the behavior of animals

• To predict future geological events

• To measure the age of rocks

• To represent a timeline of life on earth

What is the significance of Archaeopteryx in the history of life on earth?

• It is a plant species

• It is a transitional fossil between reptiles and birds

• It is a marine organism

• It is the first mammal on earth

What is the relationship between oxygen levels in the atmosphere and the development of aerobic organisms?

• Aerobic organisms caused a decrease in oxygen levels

• Oxygen levels decreased as aerobic organisms developed

• Aerobic organisms did not require oxygen to survive

• Oxygen levels increased as aerobic organisms developed

What are ice ages characterized by?

• Extinction of aquatic species

• Decrease in oxygen levels

• Formation of large ice sheets

• Drastic increase in temperature

How did ice ages affect life on earth?

• Increased biodiversity

• Forced migration of species towards the poles

• Extinction of many species

• Decreased sea levels

What is the main evidence for continental drift?

• Rock formations

• Ice core samples

• Biogeography

• Fossil records

Which era is known for the breakup of Pangea into Laurasia and Gondwanaland?

• Precambrian

• Paleozoic

• Mesozoic

• Cenozoic

What do fossils provide evidence of?

• Earlier life forms

• Current life forms

• Future life forms

• Alien life forms

How are geological time units divided?

• By the number of fossils found

• By the age of rocks

• By significant events in Earth's history

• By the size of continents