1.
Which era of geologic time is this?
Correct Answer
C. Paleozoic
Explanation
The correct answer is Paleozoic. The Paleozoic era is a geologic time period that lasted from about 541 to 252 million years ago. It is known as the "Age of Invertebrates" because it saw the rise and diversification of many marine invertebrate species. It is also significant for the emergence of the first land plants, insects, and vertebrates. The Paleozoic era ended with the largest mass extinction event in Earth's history, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction.
2.
During the Ordovician Period, a wide variety of marine life flourished in the vast seas.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the Ordovician Period, there was indeed a wide variety of marine life that thrived in the vast seas. This period, which occurred approximately 485 to 443 million years ago, is known for the rapid diversification and evolution of marine organisms. The seas were filled with a rich array of creatures, including trilobites, brachiopods, graptolites, and early fish. Fossils from this time period provide evidence of the diverse and abundant marine life that existed during the Ordovician Period.
3.
Which organisms were present during the Ordovician era?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
During the Ordovician era, all of the mentioned organisms (Endoceras, Asteriacites, and Arandaspida) were present. The Ordovician period occurred approximately 485 to 443 million years ago and is known for the diversification of marine life. Endoceras was an extinct cephalopod with a long, straight shell, Asteriacites refers to trace fossils left by starfish, and Arandaspida were a group of jawless fish. Therefore, all three organisms existed during this era.
4.
What resulted in the Ordovician extinction?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The Ordovician extinction was caused by a combination of global cooling, reduced sea levels, and the impact on marine species living in warm, shallow coastal waters. Global cooling resulted in a drop in temperatures, leading to glaciation and a decrease in sea levels. This reduction in sea levels affected the habitats of many marine species, particularly those living in warm, shallow coastal waters. As a result, a significant number of species became extinct during this period. Therefore, all of the above factors contributed to the Ordovician extinction.
5.
What led to the Ordovician period's mass extinction?
Correct Answer
A. Climate change
Explanation
The Ordovician period's mass extinction was primarily caused by climate change. During this time, there was a significant drop in sea levels and a cooling of the Earth's climate. This led to a decrease in marine habitats and a decline in biodiversity. Additionally, the cooling climate caused glaciation, which further impacted the environment. These changes in climate disrupted the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to the extinction of many species during the Ordovician period.
6.
Marine invertebrate species in which of these groups were lost in the Ordovician extinction?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
During the Ordovician extinction, which occurred around 445 million years ago, many species from all of the mentioned marine invertebrate species were lost. This extinction event was one of the five major mass extinctions in Earth's history and had a significant impact on marine life. Brachiopods, trilobites, and bivalves were among the many organisms that became extinct during this period, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity in the oceans.
7.
Which organism first appeared in the Ordovician period?
Correct Answer
C. Starfish
Explanation
During the Ordovician period, which lasted from about 485 to 444 million years ago, starfish were one of the first organisms to appear. This period is known for the rapid diversification of marine life, and starfish were among the early inhabitants of the oceans during this time.
8.
How many marine species died in the Ordovician extinction? (approx.)
Correct Answer
B. 100
Explanation
Approximately 100 marine species died in the Ordovician extinction. This event, which occurred around 443 million years ago, was one of the five major mass extinctions in Earth's history. It was caused by a combination of factors, including climate change, sea level fluctuations, and a drop in oxygen levels in the oceans. The extinction primarily affected marine life, particularly trilobites and brachiopods, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity during this period.
9.
Cephalopods were the dominant predators of that time.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the time being referred to, cephalopods were the dominant predators. This means that they held a position of power and were at the top of the food chain, preying on other organisms. This statement implies that cephalopods played a significant role in the ecosystem during that period.
10.
The Ordovician is divided into how many epochs?
Correct Answer
C. 3
Explanation
The Ordovician period, which occurred approximately 485 to 443 million years ago, is divided into three epochs: Early Ordovician, Middle Ordovician, and Late Ordovician. This division is based on changes in the fossil record and geological events that occurred during this time period. Each epoch represents a distinct period of time within the larger Ordovician period and is characterized by specific geological and biological features.