Geologic Time and Major Events in Earth's History

Mr. Schweitzer introduces geologic time, emphasizing its vastness compared to human lifespans. He explains the formation of the solar system and Earth, highlighting key events like the extinction of dinosaurs and human evolution. The video covers geologic terms, eras, and periods, providing tips on using geologic charts for exams. Students learn to identify eons, eras, and periods, and how to locate information on geologic charts, especially for Regents exams.

What is the main challenge in understanding geologic time?

• The vastness of time compared to human lifespans

• The complexity of geological processes

• The difficulty in measuring time accurately

• The lack of historical records

How old is the universe according to the timeline discussed?

• 10.5 billion years

• 12.4 billion years

• 13.8 billion years

• 15.2 billion years

When did the dinosaurs go extinct?

• 200 million years ago

• 65 million years ago

• 100 million years ago

• 500 million years ago

What percentage of the universe's age have humans existed?

• 20%

• 10%

• Less than 1%

• 5%

What is the significance of the bold black line on the geologic chart?

• It highlights the most recent 550 million years of Earth's history

• It represents the formation of the Earth

• It marks the beginning of the Cenozoic era

• It indicates the extinction of trilobites

Which era is not part of the Phanerozoic eon?

• Paleozoic

• Cenozoic

• Mesozoic

• Archean

During which geologic period did plants and animals first appear on land?

• Devonian

• Silurian

• Ordovician

• Cambrian

At the end of which era did trilobites become extinct?

• Proterozoic

• Paleozoic

• Mesozoic

• Cenozoic

What should you do if you see the word 'geologic' in a question?

• Refer to the geologic timeline chart

• Look for it on the New York State map

• Ignore it

• Consult a dictionary

What is the first step in answering a question about geologic periods?

• Look for the answer in a textbook

• Consult a teacher

• Search the timeline for the relevant period

• Guess the answer