Podcast
Questions and Answers
Approximately how long ago is the Earth believed to have been formed?
Approximately how long ago is the Earth believed to have been formed?
What is the smallest unit of time on the geological time scale?
What is the smallest unit of time on the geological time scale?
How are epochs grouped together on the geological time scale?
How are epochs grouped together on the geological time scale?
What is the largest period of geological time in the geological time scale?
What is the largest period of geological time in the geological time scale?
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On the geological time scale, what are periods combined to make?
On the geological time scale, what are periods combined to make?
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The Precambrian Era is characterized by which significant event?
The Precambrian Era is characterized by which significant event?
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Which technique uses geological evidence to assign comparative ages of fossils?
Which technique uses geological evidence to assign comparative ages of fossils?
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What is the main characteristic of absolute dating?
What is the main characteristic of absolute dating?
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What is the half-life of Carbon-14?
What is the half-life of Carbon-14?
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Which technique is widely used for dating rocks?
Which technique is widely used for dating rocks?
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What problem arises if a rock has been exposed to temperatures above 125° C (257° F) in the Potassium-Argon Technique?
What problem arises if a rock has been exposed to temperatures above 125° C (257° F) in the Potassium-Argon Technique?
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What does the 'What is on top of the older rocks' method determine?
What does the 'What is on top of the older rocks' method determine?
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Which geologic time period began the break-up of Pangaea?
Which geologic time period began the break-up of Pangaea?
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'First land animals and first forests' are associated with which geologic time period?
'First land animals and first forests' are associated with which geologic time period?
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'Greatest extinction on Earth' occurred during which geologic time period?
'Greatest extinction on Earth' occurred during which geologic time period?
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Study Notes
Geological Time Scale
- The Earth is believed to have been formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago.
Geological Time Units
- The smallest unit of time on the geological time scale is an epoch.
Grouping of Epochs
- Epochs are grouped together to form periods on the geological time scale.
Periods and Eras
- Periods are combined to make eras, which are the largest periods of geological time.
Precambrian Era
- The Precambrian Era is characterized by the formation of the Earth's crust.
Fossil Dating
- The technique that uses geological evidence to assign comparative ages of fossils is called relative dating.
Absolute Dating
- The main characteristic of absolute dating is that it determines the exact age of a rock or fossil.
- The half-life of Carbon-14 is 5,730 years.
Potassium-Argon Technique
- The Potassium-Argon technique is widely used for dating rocks.
- If a rock has been exposed to temperatures above 125° C (257° F), the Potassium-Argon technique has a problem.
Relative Dating Methods
- The law of superposition, which states 'what is on top of the older rocks', determines the relative age of rocks.
Geologic Time Periods
- The Jurassic period began the break-up of Pangaea.
- The Silurian period is associated with the first land animals and first forests.
- The Permian period is known for the greatest extinction on Earth.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the geological time scale, the history of life on Earth, and the formation of the Earth. Explore the different eras and periods that make up Earth's geological history.
