Geologic History of Earth's Modern Continents

What is the Phanerozoic era?

• The era when life-forms with hard parts appeared

• The era when North America was a barren lowland

• The era when Pangaea formed

• The era when the Atlantic Ocean started to form

Answer explanation

The Phanerozoic era refers to the era when life-forms with hard parts appeared. This era is characterized by the emergence of organisms with skeletal structures, such as shells and bones. It is an important period in the history of life on Earth, marking the transition to more complex and diverse forms of life. The Phanerozoic era is not related to North America being a barren lowland or the formation of Pangaea or the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, it signifies the evolution of life with hard parts.

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Which continents were part of Laurasia?

• North America, Europe, Siberia, and smaller crustal fragments

• South America, Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and India

• North America and Africa

• Europe, Siberia, and smaller crustal fragments

Answer explanation

Laurasia consisted of North America, Europe, Siberia, and smaller crustal fragments. It was one of the two supercontinents that formed Pangaea. The other supercontinent was Gondwana, which included South America, Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and India. However, Laurasia did not include these continents. Therefore, the correct choice is North America, Europe, Siberia, and smaller crustal fragments.

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What geological event led to the formation of several mountain belts?

• Accretion of Gondwana

• Formation of Pangaea

• Subduction of the Farallon plate

• Laramide Orogeny

Answer explanation

The formation of several mountain belts was caused by the accretion of Gondwana. This geological event involved the collision and merging of several landmasses, resulting in the formation of mountain ranges. The process of accretion led to the uplift and folding of rocks, creating the diverse topography observed in these mountain belts. The accretion of Gondwana played a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface and influencing the distribution of continents and oceans.

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When did Pangaea reach its maximum size?

• 185 million years ago

• 250 million years ago

• 542 million years ago

• 300 million years ago

Answer explanation

Pangaea reached its maximum size 250 million years ago. This was the time when all the continents were joined together as one supercontinent. The other options are incorrect because they represent different time periods. The correct choice is 250 million years ago, which aligns with the geological evidence of Pangaea's existence.

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What caused the formation of 'coal swamps' in western North America?

• Shallow seas encroaching on the continent

• Subduction of the Farallon plate

• Accretion of Gondwana

• Rift between North America and Africa

Answer explanation

The formation of 'coal swamps' in western North America was caused by shallow seas encroaching on the continent. These seas provided the ideal conditions for the growth and accumulation of organic matter, which eventually transformed into coal over millions of years. This process occurred due to the presence of abundant plant life and the lack of oxygen in the stagnant waters. The gradual burial and compression of the organic material resulted in the formation of coal deposits in the region.

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What marked the start of the Atlantic Ocean?

• Subduction of the Farallon plate

• Formation of Pangaea

• Rift between North America and Africa

• Laramide Orogeny

Answer explanation

The start of the Atlantic Ocean was marked by the rift between North America and Africa. This event led to the separation of the two continents and the formation of the ocean. The subduction of the Farallon plate, the formation of Pangaea, and the Laramide Orogeny are not directly related to the creation of the Atlantic Ocean. The rift between North America and Africa is the correct choice as it represents the initial stage of ocean formation. The question asked about the event that marked the start of the Atlantic Ocean, not the other options.

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What geological event led to the development of the Rocky Mountains?

• Accretion of Gondwana

• Subduction of the Farallon plate

• Laramide Orogeny

• Formation of Pangaea

Answer explanation

The development of the Rocky Mountains was caused by the Laramide Orogeny, a geological event. This event involved the uplift and folding of the Earth's crust, resulting in the formation of the mountain range. The Laramide Orogeny occurred during the Late Cretaceous and Early Paleogene periods. It is important to note that the correct choice is the Laramide Orogeny, as it directly led to the development of the Rocky Mountains.

What geological event led to the formation of the Basin and Range Province?

• Accretion of Gondwana

• Subduction of the Farallon plate

• Laramide Orogeny

• Crustal extension

Answer explanation

The Basin and Range Province was formed due to crustal extension. This geological event caused the stretching and thinning of the Earth's crust, resulting in the formation of the Basin and Range Province. The other options, including accretion of Gondwana, subduction of the Farallon plate, and Laramide Orogeny, are not responsible for the formation of this specific province.

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What region experienced crustal extension and formed fault-block mountains?

• Nevada to Mexico

• Sierra Nevada, Idaho, and British Columbia

• Rocky Mountains

• Appalachian Mountains

Answer explanation

The region that experienced crustal extension and formed fault-block mountains is Nevada to Mexico. This is because the crust in this region underwent stretching, resulting in the formation of fault-block mountains. The other options, Sierra Nevada, Idaho, and British Columbia, Rocky Mountains, and Appalachian Mountains, do not accurately describe the region of crustal extension and fault-block mountain formation.

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What caused the re-elevation of the Rocky Mountains and rejuvenation of western rivers?

• Accretion of Gondwana

• Subduction of the Farallon plate

• Laramide Orogeny

• Crustal extension

Answer explanation

The re-elevation of the Rocky Mountains and rejuvenation of western rivers were caused by the Laramide Orogeny. This geological event involved the uplift and folding of the Earth's crust, resulting in the formation of the Rocky Mountains. The process occurred due to the collision of tectonic plates, which caused compression and deformation of the crust. As a result, the mountains were uplifted, and the rivers in the western region experienced renewed erosion and rejuvenation. The Laramide Orogeny played a significant role in shaping the landscape of the western United States.

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