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Questions and Answers
Which characteristic primarily distinguishes Earth from other known planets in the universe?
Which characteristic primarily distinguishes Earth from other known planets in the universe?
- Its proximity to a star.
- The presence of diverse geological formations.
- The presence of life forms. (correct)
- Its axial tilt and orbital path.
Which of these options describes how scientists estimate the age of Earth and its geological history?
Which of these options describes how scientists estimate the age of Earth and its geological history?
- Studying the evolutionary history of extant species.
- Using the geologic time scale. (correct)
- Analyzing atmospheric gas concentrations.
- Examining current global climate patterns.
In the geologic time scale, what is the correct order of divisions from largest to smallest?
In the geologic time scale, what is the correct order of divisions from largest to smallest?
- Eon, epoch, era, period
- Era, eon, period, epoch
- Eon, era, period, epoch (correct)
- Epoch, period, era, eon
The Phanerozoic Eon, meaning 'visible life', is characterized by what?
The Phanerozoic Eon, meaning 'visible life', is characterized by what?
Which of the following geological eras is also known as the 'age of reptiles'?
Which of the following geological eras is also known as the 'age of reptiles'?
What evolutionary milestone defines the Quaternary Period of the Cenozoic Era?
What evolutionary milestone defines the Quaternary Period of the Cenozoic Era?
The Cretaceous Period is best known for which major event?
The Cretaceous Period is best known for which major event?
What is the correct sequence of periods in the Paleozoic Era, from oldest to most recent?
What is the correct sequence of periods in the Paleozoic Era, from oldest to most recent?
Which of the following describes epochs in the geologic time scale?
Which of the following describes epochs in the geologic time scale?
In the context of early theories on the origin of life, what does the 'spontaneous generation theory' propose?
In the context of early theories on the origin of life, what does the 'spontaneous generation theory' propose?
Which best describes the theory of panspermia?
Which best describes the theory of panspermia?
What key concept does the 'primordial soup theory' attempt to explain regarding the origin of life?
What key concept does the 'primordial soup theory' attempt to explain regarding the origin of life?
What evidence found in Western Greenland is considered one of the earliest indications of life on Earth?
What evidence found in Western Greenland is considered one of the earliest indications of life on Earth?
What distinguishes the Precambrian Eon from the Phanerozoic Eon in terms of life forms?
What distinguishes the Precambrian Eon from the Phanerozoic Eon in terms of life forms?
What can be inferred about the conditions on early Earth based on the theory that Archaea, extremophiles, were among the first life forms?
What can be inferred about the conditions on early Earth based on the theory that Archaea, extremophiles, were among the first life forms?
Why is the study of the geologic time scale important in understanding the history of life on Earth?
Why is the study of the geologic time scale important in understanding the history of life on Earth?
How did Louis Pasteur's experiment contribute to disproving the theory of spontaneous generation?
How did Louis Pasteur's experiment contribute to disproving the theory of spontaneous generation?
What is the primary significance of finding microbial mat fossils dating back 4.1 billion years in Western Australia?
What is the primary significance of finding microbial mat fossils dating back 4.1 billion years in Western Australia?
How does the concept of 'abiogenesis' relate to the origins of life on Earth?
How does the concept of 'abiogenesis' relate to the origins of life on Earth?
Which of the following best describes the environmental conditions during the Hadean Eon, and how did these conditions affect the origin of life?
Which of the following best describes the environmental conditions during the Hadean Eon, and how did these conditions affect the origin of life?
Given that the first life forms are believed to have emerged approximately 3.7 billion years ago, how does this influence scientists' understanding of early Earth?
Given that the first life forms are believed to have emerged approximately 3.7 billion years ago, how does this influence scientists' understanding of early Earth?
Could modern‐day mammals exist, assuming the Mesozoic Era never happened?
Could modern‐day mammals exist, assuming the Mesozoic Era never happened?
Why are fossils from the Cambrian period so important to understanding the evolution of life?
Why are fossils from the Cambrian period so important to understanding the evolution of life?
How does the study of stromatolite fossils contribute to our understanding of the early Earth environment?
How does the study of stromatolite fossils contribute to our understanding of the early Earth environment?
In what way did the experiment of Needham about Spontaneous Generation support?
In what way did the experiment of Needham about Spontaneous Generation support?
Why is the origin and purpose of the geological timescale deemed as important?
Why is the origin and purpose of the geological timescale deemed as important?
What key element during the Permian and Triassic Period is important for the first dinosaurs and mammals to flourish?
What key element during the Permian and Triassic Period is important for the first dinosaurs and mammals to flourish?
Among the geological features or milestones, how do epochs classify from longer periods?
Among the geological features or milestones, how do epochs classify from longer periods?
Why does the theory of Panspermia explain the formation of life?
Why does the theory of Panspermia explain the formation of life?
The term 'stromatolite' refers to which of the following?
The term 'stromatolite' refers to which of the following?
Which set of conditions best describes the environment that fostered the emergence of the first life forms on Earth?
Which set of conditions best describes the environment that fostered the emergence of the first life forms on Earth?
Why are the fossils of Western Australia a focal point in the investigation of early life?
Why are the fossils of Western Australia a focal point in the investigation of early life?
How does understanding the primordial soup theory assist in understanding the origin of cells?
How does understanding the primordial soup theory assist in understanding the origin of cells?
In the context of the history of life on Earth, what critical role might catalysts have played?
In the context of the history of life on Earth, what critical role might catalysts have played?
What evidence causes doubt to the idea of spontaneous generation?
What evidence causes doubt to the idea of spontaneous generation?
Which era of the Earth's Geological Time Scale contributed greatly to the creation of coal?
Which era of the Earth's Geological Time Scale contributed greatly to the creation of coal?
What does the presence of banded iron formations in the Earth's geological record suggest about the early atmosphere and oceans?
What does the presence of banded iron formations in the Earth's geological record suggest about the early atmosphere and oceans?
What can be inferred about early Earth's environmental conditions from the existence of extremophiles, such as archaea, as some of the earliest life forms?
What can be inferred about early Earth's environmental conditions from the existence of extremophiles, such as archaea, as some of the earliest life forms?
Regarding the Permian and Triassic Period, what is its implication in understanding the history of life?
Regarding the Permian and Triassic Period, what is its implication in understanding the history of life?
What distinguishes the geological and biological events from one another throughout Earth's history?
What distinguishes the geological and biological events from one another throughout Earth's history?
Flashcards
Earth's uniqueness
Earth's uniqueness
Earth is the only known planet to support life.
Geologic time scale
Geologic time scale
A system of dating Earth's history chronologically using geological data.
Eon
Eon
A division of the geologic time scale representing a long period of time.
Era
Era
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Period
Period
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Epoch
Epoch
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Phanerozoic Eon
Phanerozoic Eon
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Precambrian Eon
Precambrian Eon
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Cenozoic Era
Cenozoic Era
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Mesozoic Era
Mesozoic Era
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Paleozoic Era
Paleozoic Era
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Cretaceous Period
Cretaceous Period
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Jurassic Period
Jurassic Period
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Triassic Period
Triassic Period
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Quaternary Period
Quaternary Period
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Spontaneous generation
Spontaneous generation
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Primordial soup theory
Primordial soup theory
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Theory of Panspermia
Theory of Panspermia
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Oldest life evidence
Oldest life evidence
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Microbial Mat Fossils
Microbial Mat Fossils
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Study Notes
- Earth is the only known planet that supports life.
- The presence of life sets Earth apart from other planets.
Emergence of Life Theories
- Scientists have created theories about how life emerged and how that relates to Earth's physical changes.
Learning Competency
- Describe the features of the history of life on Earth.
- Identify dates, timelines and characteristics of organisms during time periods.
Learning Objectives
- Describe Earth's geologic time scale.
- Identify theories on the emergence of life on Earth.
- Enumerate early life forms present during primitive Earth.
Earth's Geologic Time Scale
- Earth is billions of years and scientists estimate using the geologic time scale.
- System of dating Earth's history in chronological order with geological data.
- The geologic time scale reflects Earth's geological history.
- Divided into eons, eras, periods, and epochs.
Geological Time Scale: Eon
- Phanerozoic Eon is 542 MYA.
- Phanerozoic Eon means 'visible life', which was made through rock units that have abundant fossils.
- Precambrian Eon is 4 BYA.
- Precambrian Eon represents the time between Earth's birth and appearance of life.
Geological Time Scale: Era
- Cenozoic era is known as the 'age of mammals'.
- Mesozoic era is known as the 'age of reptiles'.
- Paleozoic era is known as the 'age of invertebrates'.
Geological Time Scale: Period
- During the Quaternary Period human evolution occurred.
- During the Tertiary Period mammal diversity occurred.
- During the Cretaceous Period the extinction of dinosaurs, and first flowering plants occurred.
- During the Jurassic Period the first birds and dinosaurs diversification occurred.
- During the Triassic Period the first mammals and dinosaurs emerged.
- Permian Period
- Carboniferous Period
- Devonian Period
- Silurian Period
- Ordovician Period
- Cambrian Period
Geological Time Scale: Epoch
- Epochs are shortest subdivision characterized by changes in life forms.
- Varies from continent to continen
Tips
- Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Tertiary, Quaternary, from oldest to most recent.
Theories on the Origin of Life on Earth
- Spontaneous generation theory.
- Primordial soup theory.
- Theory of panspermia.
Theories on the Origin of Life on Earth: Spontaneous Generation
- Needham's experiment: Mutton broth was boiled and sealed which turned cloudy and became full of microorganisms.
- Pasteur's experiment disproved spontaneous generation.
Theories on the Origin of Life on Earth: Theory of Panspermia
- Exogenesis suggests building blocks came from another planet.
Theories on the Origin of Life on Earth: Primordial Soup Theory
- Life started in a primordial soup of organic molecules
- This theory explains catalysts for non-living things becoming living cells.
Evidence of Life on Earth
- Stromatolite fossils were collected from metasedimentary rocks in western Greenland that are 3.7 billion years old.
- In 2015, fossils of microbial mat (primitive microbial colony) were collected in Western Australia and are 4.1 billion years old.
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Description
Explore the history of life on Earth, from its emergence to the present day. Learn about Earth's geologic time scale, including eons, eras, periods, and epochs. Identify key dates, timelines, and organism characteristics throughout different time periods.
