Mesozoic Era: The Age of Reptiles

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What is the primary purpose of the geologic time scale?

To analyze the composition of rocks and minerals

To describe the age of rocks, fossils, and the events that formed them (correct)

To explore the oceans and seas

To study the history of the Earth's surface

What is the process by which sediments are converted into rock?

Transportation

Erosion

Compaction and lithification (correct)

Weathering

What is typically found in sedimentary deposits?

Only volcanic eruption debris

Only clay and silts

Only rocks and minerals

Fossil content and historical information (correct)

What is the term for the study of rocks and their discovery?

Rock study Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand the Earth's history?

To conform with the alterations or consequences that we might encounter or experience in the near future Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the records of the Earth's history, including its rock strata and fossil content?

Geologic records Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Earth's history is accounted for by the Precambrian Eon?

88% Signup and view all the answers

Which eon is characterized by the presence of fossil remains of microscopic algae and bacteria in marine rocks?

Archean Eon Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred during the Proterozoic Eon?

Rifting of the continental crust and filling with sedimentary and volcanic rocks Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Phanerozoic' literally mean?

Visible light Signup and view all the answers

During which era did the supercontinent Pangaea form?

Paleozoic Era Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the period during the Paleozoic Era, known for the rapid development of fish?

Devonian period Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the Mesozoic Era?

The Age of Dinosaurs Signup and view all the answers

What was the climate like during the Mesozoic Era?

Warm and mild Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the supercontinent Pangaea during the Mesozoic Era?

It started to break apart Signup and view all the answers

What is the current epoch of the Cenozoic Era?

Holocene Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups of animals largely survived the mass extinction at the end of the Mesozoic Era?

Turtles, snakes, crocodiles, and lizards Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the rocks from the Cenozoic Era?

They are relatively new and accessible Signup and view all the answers