Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Earth and Space Sciences to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Earth and Space Sciences to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
The Geologic Time Scale is a system used by scientists to describe the timing and relationships between events in Earth’s history. It covers a vast expanse of time, from the formation of the planet nearly 4.6 billion years ago to the present day.
Explain the main criterion used by scientists to divide Earth’s history into eons, eras, periods, and epochs.
Which event marks the boundary between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras?
Describe one line of evidence scientists use to determine when major extinctions or species appearances occurred in Earth’s history.
Examine the simplified geologic time scale in Figure 1. Identify which eon contains the longest span of Earth’s history and explain why scientists know less about it compared to later eons.
Which of the following best describes the relationship between mass extinctions and biodiversity in the fossil record?
Explain how the fossil record supports the claim that “life on Earth has changed over time.”
Describe how geologic and biological processes interact to define the boundaries between eras and periods.
Provide evidence and reasoning for the claim: “The division of geologic time into eras, periods, and epochs is based upon the appearance and extinction of life forms.”