Geologic Time Scale Exploration

Geologic Time Scale Exploration

Read each question carefully and provide your best answer. For multiple choice questions, circle the letter corresponding to your choice. For fill-in-the-blank and short answer questions, write your answers in the space provided.

1. Which eon represents the longest span of geologic time?

2. The Mesozoic Era is known as the 'Age of  '.

1. The principle of   states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

2. The sudden appearance of a diverse array of animal life forms in the fossil record around 541 million years ago is known as the  .

1. Radiometric dating is a method used to determine the relative age of rocks.

2. The K-Pg extinction event, which led to the demise of non-avian dinosaurs, marks the boundary between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras.

1. Briefly explain the difference between relative dating and absolute dating in the context of the Geologic Time Scale.

2. Describe one major environmental factor or event that contributed to a mass extinction event in Earth's history.

Match each geological period/era with a significant event or characteristic.