How Did Life Begin? Evolution and History of Life Quiz

What is the estimated age of Earth when it first formed?

• 5.2 billion years ago

• 3.8 billion years ago

• 4.6 billion years ago

• 2.5 billion years ago

What are the main ingredients for living, breathing, and singing on Earth?

• Oxygen and water

• Dust and rock

• Carbon dioxide and nitrogen

• Water and ash

What is the term used to describe the big patterns of how living things evolve above the species level?

• Adaptation

• Microevolution

• Natural selection

• Macroevolution

What is the main source of energy that could create the perfect environment for large organic molecules to form naturally?

• Lightning, volcanoes, and radiation from space

• Deep-sea vents

• Photosynthesis

• Meteorite impact

What molecule carries genetic information in all organisms on Earth?

• Protein

• RNA

• DNA

• Carbohydrate

What time on the Eons Clock did the first eukaryotes burst onto the scene?

• 5:30 am

• 2 pm

• 11 pm

• 4 am

What major driver of macroevolution involves the sliding and floating of Earth’s surface plates on the molten-hot mantle below?

• Plate tectonics

• Volcanic eruptions

• Meteorite impacts

• Climate change

What is the term used to describe heritable traits that increase an organism’s chances of survival and reproduction?

• Natural selection

• Mutations

• Genetic drift

• Adaptations

What is the main evidence of the oldest signs of life found around 3.5 billion years ago?

• Remains of ancient plants

• DNA sequences

• Fossils

• Traces of carbon molecules in rocks

What Chinese paleontologist made significant contributions to the study of fish fossils and their evolution into land-walking, air-breathing beings?

• Dr. Chang Meemann

• Dr. Sammy

• Dr. Meemann Chang

• Dr. Patti