Geologic Time Scale Vocabulary

A unit of geologic time that subdivides eras

• period

• time span

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

_______________ is the long span of time that begins geologic time.

• Precambrian Time

• Cenozoic Time

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

___________ a record of the geologic events and the evolution of life forms as shown in the fossil record. 

• Eras

• Geologic Time Scale

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

When classifying time using the Geologic Time Scale which unit is the largest unit of time?

• Period

• Eon

• Epoch

• Era

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The end of life for a group of organisms, usually a species, is called a ___________.

• wipeout

• mass extinction

• meteorite

• dying off

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

These are the second longest units of geologic time. Eons are divided up into these.

• eras

• periods

• epochs

• unconformities

These are the smallest main unit of geologic time. Periods are broken up into these.

• epochs

• eons

• eras

• unconformities

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The Law of Superposition states

• Younger rocks layers are on top of older rock layers

• Fossils are found in sedimentary rocks

• Older rock layers are on top of younger rock layers

• Absolute age dating

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What does relative age tell us about a rock layer or fossil?

• The age of one rock layer or fossil compared to another.

• The relative age of a fossil determined by radiometric dating

• Younger rock layers sit on top of older rock layers

• Older rock layers sit on top of younger rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How does the law of crosscutting explain the age of a fault?

• The fault is younger than the rocks above it.
• The fault is younger than the rocks it cuts through.
• The fault is older than the rocks above it.
• The fault is older than the rocks it cuts through.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4