Earth History Geologic Time

What is the best explanation for why most of the major events of Earth's history can be found inside the 10 yard line (within the past 500 million years) on our geologic time scale as a football field?

• Human activity has caused most of the events of the past 500 million years.

• Nothing was living on Earth prior to that time, so it is impossible to know what Earth was like billions of years ago.

• The Earth has gotten larger during that time to accommodate more species living on the planet.

• The rocks and fossils from the past 500 million years are closer to the surface, making them easier to get to and less likely to have been destroyed.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

An example of relative dating would be

• determining the minerals that make up a rock

• placing rock layers in order from youngest to oldest

• classifying rocks by type

• using radioactive isotopes to determine the exact age of rock samples

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Identify the correct order of the divisions of the geologic time scale from largest to smallest.

• period, eon, era, epoch

• eon, epoch, era, period

• epoch, period, era, eon

• eon, era, period, epoch

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

How do scientists determine where to put the divisions in the Geologic Time Scale?

• There is a set number of years for each division.

• The divisions are made every time a volcano erupts.

• The divisions are made when the Earth undergoes a major change in its climate, life, or geography.

• The divisions are made only when a new species develops.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Angelica saw an example of a geologic time scale in her book. What is the purpose of the geologic time scale?

• to organize the eras and periods of major events of fossils

• to organize the kinds of plants and animals that lived during those times on Earth

• to organize the kinds of rocks for people to study the life forms and classify fossils

• to organize Earth's history in a record of geological events and show the presence of life forms

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The Earth is estimated to be how old?

• 4.6 Million years old

• 6,000 years old

• 4.6 Billion years old

• Who knows

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The Geologic Time Scale is a record of what?

• old geologists

• sweet geology music

• the known history of rocks and fossils

• a list of every living thing ever

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Why is the geological time scale important in the study of Earth's history?

• It provides a detailed map of Earth's surface.

• It allows scientists to understand the sequence of events and processes that have shaped Earth over time.

• It is used to predict future geological events.

• It helps in locating natural resources like oil and minerals.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Evidence suggest that the Earth is

• 555million years old

• more than 4 billion years old

• more than 6 billion years old

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Which term describes a gap in the geologic record due to erosion?

• absolute age

• relative age

• unconformity

• radioactive dating