History of Earth Study Guide

What does the Big Bang theory explain?

• The formation of water on earth

• The formation of the solar system

• The formation of earth after a supernova

• The formation of the universe

What do we call the divisions of time for the Cenozoic, Mesozoic, and Paleozoic?

• Epochs

• Eras

• Periods

• Eons

Which eon contains the Mesozoic and Paleozoic eras?

• Phanerozoic

• Proterozoic

• Archean

• Hadean

How many millions of years ago did the Cambrian period begin according to the geologic time scale provided?

• 23

• 252

• 359

• 541

Which period is directly below the Jurassic in the geologic column shown?

• Triassic

• Permian

• Devonian

• Silurian

What is the name of the earliest eon shown in the geologic column?

• Phanerozoic

• Proterozoic

• Archean

• Hadean

Based on the Law of Superposition, which layer would be the oldest?

• Layer 1, top layer.

• None. They are all the same age.

• Layer 5, bottom layer.

Which fossil is found in the most recent layer?

• armored fish

• trilobites

• early horses

• dinosaurs

What evidence did scientists use to support the geologic timeline of Earth?

• Soil and the atmosphere

• Fossils and written records

• Rock layers and fossils

• Minerals and crystals

Which example below describes the Relative age of Trilobites?

• The trilobite is older than the armored fish.

• The trilobite existed 545 million years ago.

• The trilobite is really old.