Worksheets11.4: The Geologic Time Scale
Total questions: 19
Worksheet time: 10mins
The whole geologic history of the Earth divided into units of varying magnitude:
Geologic time scale
Eons
Phanerozoic
Eras
Paleozoic
These represent the greatest expanses of time on the geologic time scale.
Geologic time scale
Eons
Phanerozoic
Eras
Paleozoic
The eon that began 542 million years ago, a term that means visible life.
Geologic time scale
Eons
Phanerozoic
Eras
Paleozoic
Eons are divided into these smaller units:
Geologic time scale
Eons
Phanerozoic
Eras
Paleozoic
The earliest era within the Phanerozoic eon, meaning ancient life.
Geologic time scale
Eons
Phanerozoic
Eras
Paleozoic
The middle era within the Phanerozoic eon is the______________, meaning middle life.
Mesozoic
Periods
Epochs
Cenozoic
Paleozoic
The most recent era within the Phanerozoic, meaning recent life.
Mesozoic
Periods
Epochs
Cenozoic
Paleozoic
Each era can be further divided into:
Mesozoic
Periods
Epochs
Cenozoic
Paleozoic
Each period can be divided still into smaller units called:
Mesozoic
Periods
Epochs
Cenozoic
Paleozoic
The two eons that occurred before the Cambrian together are often referred to as the:
Mesozoic
Periods
Epochs
Precambrian
Paleozoic
Most of the geologic time scale, around 88%, is an Eon known as:
Precambrian
Phanerozoic
Paleozoic
Pleistocene
The Archean and Proterozoic have far less information and are far less detailed than the Phanerozoic. Which of the following best describes the reason.
There is far less information about the distant past than the more recent past
Human’s were far less active and recorded less information in the more distant past
All evidence from the distant past was destroyed by the same asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs.
Fossil evidence and geologic data from that far back do not exist
Which type of rock is the most difficult to use for radiometric dating?
Igneous, because the intense heat causes the isotopes to denature
Metamorphic, because the intense pressure causes the isotopes to denature
Sedimentary, because they are comprised of many different rocks possibly from many different eras
Basalt, because it is so relatively new
Which of the layers in the picture below is the oldest?
layer A
layer B
layer C
layer D
layer E
Which of the layers in the picture below is the youngest?
layer A
layer B
layer C
layer D
layer E
Identify item #1:
Phanerozoic
Paleozoic
Mesozoic
Cenozoic
Precambrian
Identify item #3:
Phanerozoic
Paleozoic
Mesozoic
Cenozoic
Precambrian
Identify item #2:
Phanerozoic
Paleozoic
Mesozoic
Cenozoic
Precambrian
Fossils left by early microbes during the Archean are called:
Stromatolites
Trilobites
Coprolites
Ammonites
Gastroliths
