What is the basic unit of geologic time?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking for the fundamental component or division that is used to measure and categorize geologic time, which is a concept in geology.

More Information

The geologic time scale is a system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time. Periods are subdivisions of eras, which in turn are subdivisions of eons. They typically last tens of millions of years.

Tips

Confusing periods with other units like epochs or eras is common. Remember, a period is smaller than an era but larger than an epoch.

Sources

• Geologic time | Periods, Time Scale, & Facts | Britannica - britannica.com
• Geologic time scale - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org