A Quiz On Geologic Time Scale! Trivia Questions!
Unlock the secrets of Earth's vast history with our "Geological Time Scale Quiz." This intriguing quiz is designed to test your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the geological time scale, a system used by geologists and other Earth scientists to describe the timing and relationships between events that have occurred throughout Earth's history.
The quiz covers all major time periods, from the formation of the Earth over 4.5 billion years ago through the Precambrian, and into the dynamic Phanerozoic eon—spanning the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras. You'll explore the rise and fall of dinosaurs, the shifting of continents, Read moreand the development of life forms that have led to the current biosphere.
Each question in the "Geological Time Scale Quiz" is crafted to challenge your understanding of major geological and paleontological milestones. You will need to identify epochs, eras, and periods based on their major events, distinguish between different geological phenomena, and understand the significance of geological discoveries that have defined the ages.
Geologic Time Scale Questions and Answers
- 1.
__________ is the division of Earth’s history based on life forms which lived during that period.
- A.
Seafloor spreading
- B.
Geologic Time Scale
- C.
Prehistoric dinosaurs
Correct Answer
B. Geologic Time ScaleExplanation
The correct answer is Geologic Time Scale. The Geologic Time Scale is a system of chronological dating that divides Earth's history into various periods based on the types of life forms that existed during each period. It provides a framework for understanding the history of the Earth and the evolution of life on our planet.Rate this question:
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- 2.
________________ are the longest subdivision of GTS.
- A.
Eons
- B.
Eras
- C.
Periods
Correct Answer
A. EonsExplanation
Eons are the longest subdivision of the Geological Time Scale (GTS). The GTS is a system used by geologists to divide Earth's history into different time periods based on significant geological events and changes. Eons represent the largest divisions of time, encompassing billions of years. They are further divided into smaller units such as eras, periods, and epochs. Therefore, eons are the correct answer as they are the longest subdivisions within the GTS.Rate this question:
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- 3.
_______________ is change of animals over time.
- A.
Natural selection
- B.
Organic evolution
- C.
Periodic table
Correct Answer
B. Organic evolutionExplanation
Organic evolution is the correct answer because it refers to the process of change in living organisms over time. It involves genetic variations, natural selection, and adaptation, leading to the development of new species. This concept is supported by scientific evidence from various fields such as paleontology, genetics, and comparative anatomy. The periodic table is not related to the change of animals over time, and natural selection is a mechanism within organic evolution.Rate this question:
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- 4.
__________ is a group of organisms which have the ability to reproduce with members of their group.
- A.
Period
- B.
Epoch
- C.
Species
Correct Answer
C. SpeciesExplanation
A species is a group of organisms that have the ability to reproduce with members of their own group. This means that individuals within a species can mate and produce fertile offspring. Reproduction is a fundamental characteristic of a species, as it ensures the continuation of their genetic material and allows for the evolution and adaptation of the group over time.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The theory that organisms with characteristics best suited for that environment will survive there is known as _______________.
- A.
Organic evolution
- B.
Natural selection
- C.
Solar system
Correct Answer
B. Natural selectionExplanation
Natural selection is the theory that states organisms with characteristics that are best suited for their environment will have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. This process leads to the gradual adaptation and evolution of species over time. It is a key mechanism in the theory of evolution, explaining how species change and develop new traits to better survive in their specific habitats.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is the longest part of Earth’s history? Hint- Trace fossils appeared
- A.
Precambrian Time
- B.
Paleozoic Era
- C.
Mesozoic Era
- D.
Cenozoic Era
Correct Answer
A. Precambrian TimeExplanation
The correct answer is Precambrian Time. This is because trace fossils, which are the remains or evidence of the activity of ancient organisms, first appeared during this time period. The Precambrian Time is the longest part of Earth's history, spanning from the formation of Earth around 4.6 billion years ago to the beginning of the Paleozoic Era around 541 million years ago. During this vast time period, significant geological and biological events took place, including the development of the first complex organisms and the formation of the continents.Rate this question:
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- 7.
During which era did Pangaea break up?
- A.
Precambrian Time
- B.
Paleozoic Era
- C.
Mesozoic Era
Correct Answer
C. Mesozoic EraExplanation
Pangaea, the supercontinent, began to break up during the Mesozoic Era. This era, also known as the Age of Reptiles, lasted from approximately 252 to 66 million years ago. The breakup of Pangaea occurred gradually over millions of years, leading to the formation of separate continents that we recognize today. This era is characterized by the dominance of dinosaurs and the emergence of new species and ecosystems.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Cyanobacteria does not produce oxygen.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Cyanobacteria is known to be one of the primary oxygen producers on Earth through the process of photosynthesis. They have specialized structures called thylakoids that contain chlorophyll, which enables them to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. This oxygen is then released into the environment, contributing to the oxygen levels in the atmosphere. Therefore, the statement that cyanobacteria does not produce oxygen is false.Rate this question:
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- 9.
_____________ is the era of middle life; a time of many changes on Earth.
- A.
Paleozoic
- B.
Mesozoic
- C.
Cenozoic
Correct Answer
B. MesozoicExplanation
The answer is Mesozoic because it is the era of middle life, which refers to the time when many changes occurred on Earth. The Paleozoic era is known as the era of ancient life, while the Cenozoic era is known as the era of recent life. Therefore, the Mesozoic era is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the description given in the question.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Dinosaurs and birds are said to have evolved during The Mesozoic Era.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Mesozoic Era is the time period in which dinosaurs lived, and it is also the time period in which birds are believed to have evolved. This suggests that dinosaurs and birds share a common ancestry and that birds are descendants of dinosaurs. Therefore, the statement that dinosaurs and birds evolved during the Mesozoic Era is true.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The movie "Jurassic Park" got its title from which era?
- A.
Paleozoic Era
- B.
Mesozoic Era
- C.
Cenozoic Era
Correct Answer
B. Mesozoic EraExplanation
The movie "Jurassic Park" got its title from the Mesozoic Era. This era is known as the age of dinosaurs, and the movie revolves around a theme park filled with genetically engineered dinosaurs. The term "Jurassic" specifically refers to a period within the Mesozoic Era, known for the dominance of dinosaurs such as the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptors. Therefore, the title of the movie accurately represents the time period in which the story takes place.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What time period am I describing? Rocks dating back in this time were RARE because of erosion; hence hardly no fossil records. Rocks were buried and changed by extreme heat and pressure. Fossils could not withstand the conditions.
Correct Answer
Precambrian Time Period, Precambrian Time, PrecambrianExplanation
During the Precambrian Time Period, rocks were rare due to erosion, resulting in hardly any fossil records. The rocks that did exist were buried and transformed by intense heat and pressure, making it difficult for fossils to survive under such extreme conditions.Rate this question:
- 13.
___________ are blue green algae thought to be one of the earliest forms of life on Earth. It contains chlorophyll and photosynthesized and produced oxygen.
- A.
Mesozoic Era
- B.
Cyanobacteria
- C.
Epochs
Correct Answer
B. CyanobacteriaExplanation
Cyanobacteria are blue-green algae that are believed to be one of the earliest forms of life on Earth. They are capable of photosynthesis and produce oxygen, which is why we are grateful for their existence. The Mesozoic Era and Epochs are not relevant to this question.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which era am I describing? The era of ancient life. It is divided into 3 periods, Early, Middle, and late. The age of the invertebrates was in this era.
Correct Answer
Paleozoic, Paleozoic eraExplanation
The era being described is the Paleozoic era. This era is known as the era of ancient life and is divided into three periods: Early, Middle, and Late. The age of the invertebrates also occurred during this era.Rate this question:
- 15.
At the end of which era did the largest mass extinction occur, wiping out 95% of marine life and 70% of life on land?
- A.
Precambrian
- B.
Paleozoic
- C.
Mesozoic
Correct Answer
B. PaleozoicExplanation
The Paleozoic era is known for experiencing the largest mass extinction event in history, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction or the Great Dying. This event occurred approximately 252 million years ago and wiped out 95% of marine life and 70% of life on land. It was a catastrophic event that had a profound impact on the Earth's biodiversity and ecosystems.Rate this question:
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- 16.
End of this (these) era(s) was believed to be caused by a meteorite, comet or asteroid colliding with Earth, causing huge cloud of dust and smoke to rise into the atmosphere, blocking out the sun. Select all that apply.
- A.
Paleozoic Era
- B.
Mesozoic Era
- C.
Cenozoic Era
Correct Answer(s)
A. Paleozoic Era
B. Mesozoic EraExplanation
During the Paleozoic Era and the Mesozoic Era, it is believed that the end of these eras was caused by a meteorite, comet, or asteroid colliding with Earth. This collision resulted in a massive cloud of dust and smoke rising into the atmosphere, which blocked out the sun. This event had significant consequences for life on Earth during those eras.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which era am I describing? The era of recent life; continues today.
- Part of the this era comprised the Ice Age.
- Himalayan and Alps Mountains began to form.
- Mammals became larger.
- Homo sapiens, wise man, appeared during this era.
Correct Answer(s)
Cenozoic Era, CenozoicExplanation
During this era, known as the Cenozoic Era or Cenozoic, the Earth experienced significant changes. The Ice Age occurred during this time, leading to the formation of the Himalayan and Alps Mountains. Mammals also evolved and became larger during this era. Additionally, Homo sapiens, or wise man, appeared during the Cenozoic Era.Rate this question:
- 18.
Which geologic event occurred during the Mesozoic era?
- A.
1st homo-sapien appeared
- B.
Dinosaurs roamed the land.
- C.
The Pleistocene Ice Age began
- D.
1st fish evolved
Correct Answer
B. Dinosaurs roamed the land.Explanation
During the Mesozoic era, dinosaurs roamed the land. This era, which lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago, is commonly referred to as the "Age of Dinosaurs" due to the dominance and diversity of these reptiles during this time. The Mesozoic era is divided into three periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. It was during these periods that dinosaurs evolved and flourished, becoming the dominant terrestrial vertebrates. Thus, the presence of dinosaurs is a defining characteristic of the Mesozoic era.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The Geologic time scale is subdivided into 4 groups. List them beginning with the largest.
- A.
Eons, periods, epochs, eras
- B.
Eras, eon, periods, epochs
- C.
Epochs, periods, eras, eons
- D.
Eons, eras, periods, epochs
Correct Answer
D. Eons, eras, periods, epochsExplanation
The geologic time scale is subdivided into four primary groups, starting from the largest to the smallest:Eons are the largest divisions of geologic time and represent significant phases in Earth's history.Eras are smaller subdivisions within eons, typically marking major changes in the Earth's life forms and geological events.Periods are divisions within eras, often characterized by specific life forms or significant geological events.Epochs are the smallest divisions within periods, used to represent more refined time scales in Earth's history.This order helps geologists and paleontologists categorize and study Earth's history in a structured way.Rate this question:
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- 20.
List the 4 time periods (eras) beginning with the most recent one.
- A.
Precambrian Time, Mesozoic, Cenozoic, Paleozoic
- B.
Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Precambrian, Cenozoic
- C.
Precambrian Time, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic
- D.
Cenozoic, Mesozoic, Paleozoic, Precambrian Time
Correct Answer
D. Cenozoic, Mesozoic, Paleozoic, Precambrian TimeExplanation
The correct answer is Cenozoic, Mesozoic, Paleozoic, Precambrian Time. This answer lists the time periods in order from most recent to oldest. The Cenozoic era is the most recent era, followed by the Mesozoic era, the Paleozoic era, and finally the Precambrian time.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Approximately how old is the earth?
- A.
5 BYA
- B.
4.6 MYA
- C.
4.6 BYA
- D.
3.5 MYA
Correct Answer
C. 4.6 BYAExplanation
The correct answer is 4.6 BYA. This stands for "billion years ago" and is a commonly accepted estimate for the age of the Earth based on scientific evidence. It is believed that the Earth formed around 4.6 billion years ago through the accretion of dust and gas in the early solar system. This age is determined through various dating methods, including radiometric dating of rocks and minerals.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The Cenozoic era is called the age of mammals because
- A.
Mammals first evolved at this time.
- B.
Fish were very successful during this time.
- C.
Many dinosaurs became extinct during this time.
Correct Answer
C. Many dinosaurs became extinct during this time.Explanation
The Cenozoic era is often referred to as the "Age of Mammals" primarily because it was during this time that mammals diversified and became the dominant group of animals on Earth. This diversification and rise to dominance were facilitated significantly by the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period, which is the final period of the Mesozoic era. This extinction event, which occurred around 66 million years ago, marked the transition between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras and removed the dinosaurs, the then-dominant terrestrial vertebrates, leaving ecological niches open for mammals to fill.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Describe what is meant by the Cambrian explosion. It is the explosion of ________
Correct Answer
lifeExplanation
The Cambrian explosion refers to a period in Earth's history, approximately 541 million years ago, when there was a rapid diversification and proliferation of complex multicellular life forms. During this time, a wide variety of new animal species emerged, exhibiting a remarkable burst of evolutionary innovation. The explosion of life during the Cambrian period led to the establishment of many major animal groups that are still present today. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of life on Earth, as it laid the foundation for the subsequent development and evolution of diverse ecosystems.Rate this question:
- 24.
The geologic time scale was developed using ________________.
- A.
A. climate data.
- B.
B. glacial grooves.
- C.
C. changes in fossils.
- D.
D. meteorite fragments.
Correct Answer
C. C. changes in fossils.Explanation
The geologic time scale was developed using changes in fossils. Fossils provide important evidence of past life forms and can be used to determine the relative age of rock layers. By studying the types of fossils found in different rock layers, scientists can establish a sequence of events and create a timeline of Earth's history. This allows them to categorize different periods of time and understand the evolution of life on Earth. Climate data, glacial grooves, and meteorite fragments may provide additional information, but they are not the primary basis for developing the geologic time scale.Rate this question:
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Apr 22, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Oct 22, 2010Quiz Created by
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