Geologic Time and Earth's History

What is the main topic illustrated in the provided image?

• The structure of the solar system

• The water cycle

• Geologic history and the evolution of life

• The process of photosynthesis

Which period is shown as occurring after the Jurassic period in the diagram?

• Triassic period

• Cretaceous period

• Devonian period

• Cambrian period

Based on the diagram, explain how the geologic time scale is organized and what major events are highlighted. (DoK Level 3)

• The geologic time scale is organized by months and highlights weather changes.

• The geologic time scale is organized by eras, periods, and epochs, highlighting major evolutionary events such as the appearance of cells, the development of complex life, and the extinction of dinosaurs.

• The geologic time scale is organized by continents and highlights the movement of tectonic plates.

• The geologic time scale is organized by animal species and highlights their diets.

What do scientists use to determine the age of rocks?

• Fossil evidence found in rocks

• The color of the rocks

• The size of the rocks

• The location of the rocks

Which of the following is the correct order for breaking down ages of geologic time?

• Eons, eras, periods, epochs

• Periods, epochs, eras, eons

• Epochs, periods, eras, eons

• Eras, eons, periods, epochs

When did the Cambrian Period begin?

• 542 million years ago

• 488 million years ago

• 444 million years ago

• 600 million years ago

Which period followed the Cambrian Period?

• Ordovician Period

• Jurassic Period

• Devonian Period

• Silurian Period

What became the dominant form of animal life at the beginning of the Ordovician Period?

• Brachiopods (specific invertebrate organisms)

• Dinosaurs

• Fish

• Amphibians

How old is the origin of the Earth estimated to be?

• 4.6 x 10⁹ years

• 2.5 x 10⁶ years

• 1.2 x 10⁸ years

• 7.8 x 10⁷ years

Explain how the decay of radioactive molten material contributed to the early conditions of Earth.

• It released heat, keeping the Earth very hot and molten

• It cooled the Earth rapidly

• It created the first oceans

• It formed the Earth's atmosphere