Geologic Time Scale Quiz

What is the primary focus of a geologist?

• Studying sever weather
• Studying the Earth's crust
• Studying weather patterns
• Studying ocean currents

Which branch of geology deals with sedimentary rock layers?

• Paleontology
• Stratigraphy
• Geochemistry
• Volcanology

What does the Law of Superposition state?

• Older rocks are always on top
• Younger rocks are found on top of older rocks
• All rocks are the same age
• Rocks can be dated using fossils

What is relative age?

• The exact age of a rock
• The age of a rock compared to another rock
• The age of a rock in millions of years
• The age of a fossil

Which of the following is an example of a disturbance that can affect rock layers?

• B
• E
• A
• C

What are index fossils used for?

• To determine the absolute age of rocks
• To indicate boundaries in geological time
• To study weather patterns
• To measure the thickness of rock layers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with index fossils?

• Easily recognizable
• Abundant
• Long lifespan
• Wide geographic distribution

What is the main purpose of the fossil record?

• To document the history of life
• To measure the age of rocks
• To predict future geological events
• To study climate change

What is absolute age dating also known as?

• Relative dating
• Radiometric dating
• Stratigraphic dating
• Fossil dating

What does half-life refer to?

• The time it takes for half of a radioactive element to decay
• The time it takes for a rock to form
• The time it takes for a fossil to be preserved
• The time it takes for sediment to settle