#1
What is the primary goal of geological time classification?
To understand the history of life on Earth
ExplanationUnderstanding the chronological sequence of events in Earth's history.
#2
What is the principle of original horizontality in sedimentary rock layers?
Sediments are deposited horizontally in layers
ExplanationAssumes that sediments are initially deposited in horizontal layers.
#3
Which scientist proposed the concept of uniformitarianism in geology?
Charles Lyell
ExplanationThe present is the key to the past.
#4
What is the principle of superposition in relative dating?
Younger rocks are always found below older rocks
ExplanationLayers of sedimentary rock are deposited in a time sequence.
#5
Who developed the concept of index fossils for dating rock layers?
William Smith
ExplanationIntroduced the principle of fossil succession.
#6
Who is known as the father of modern stratigraphy?
William Smith
ExplanationPioneered the use of fossils for correlating rock layers.
#7
What is an unconformity in geological terms?
A gap in the rock record
ExplanationA discontinuity in the deposition of sedimentary rocks.
#8
What is the significance of the Anthropocene epoch?
It marks the rise of human influence on the Earth's geology
ExplanationRecognizes the impact of human activities on Earth's systems.
#9
Which era witnessed the first appearance of complex multicellular life forms?
Paleozoic Era
ExplanationCharacterized by the emergence of diverse marine life.
#10
What is the principle of cross-cutting relationships in geology?
Faults and intrusions are younger than the rocks they affect
ExplanationEvents that cut through rocks are younger than the rocks themselves.
#11
Which epoch is characterized by the development of modern humans (Homo sapiens)?
Holocene Epoch
ExplanationThe period of human civilization and technological advancement.
#12
What is the half-life of Carbon-14 used in radiocarbon dating?
5,730 years
ExplanationTime taken for half of the radioactive Carbon-14 to decay.
#13
Which geologic era is known as the 'Age of Dinosaurs'?
Mesozoic Era
ExplanationCharacterized by the dominance of dinosaurs.
#14
What is the principle of faunal succession used in relative dating?
Fossils from younger rocks are found above fossils from older rocks
ExplanationFossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and determinable order.
#15
Which radioactive isotope is commonly used for radiometric dating of rocks and minerals?
Uranium-238
ExplanationHas a long half-life suitable for dating geological materials.
#16
What is the primary difference between relative dating and absolute dating in geology?
Relative dating provides an estimate of the age, while absolute dating gives an exact age
ExplanationRelative dating determines order, absolute dating provides numerical age.
#17
Who proposed the theory of plate tectonics?
Alfred Wegener
ExplanationSuggested continents drift due to continental drift.
#18
What is the primary difference between an eon and an era in geological time classification?
An eon is the largest subdivision, while an era is smaller
ExplanationEons encompass eras, representing longer time spans.
#19
Which geological era is characterized by the appearance of abundant marine life and the first land-dwelling organisms?
Paleozoic Era
ExplanationExplosion of life forms in marine and terrestrial environments.