Exam 9: Geologic Time

What was the Cambrian explosion?

Which of the four sedimentary layers in this figure is the oldest?

Which of the following would be LEAST useful in correlating the ages of these two sequences of rocks?

In this diagram the contact between the granite unit 1) and the lowest layer unit 2) is depositional. What is the youngest unit?

This figure shows two sections of rocks. Which of the following is NOT a valid way to correlate one of the numbered units from one section to another?

If you were trying to correlate these two sequences of rocks, what would probably be the most straightforward strategy to use?

What would fossil ages from the geologic timescale and an isotopic age on the granite tell us about the age of the unconformity?

Groundwater can be dated using:

What is a principle we use to determine the age of a landscape surface?

This figure shows the geologic timescale. Which period listed below would be part of the Mesozoic?

What strategies do we use to investigate human origins?

Which factor would help ensure survival of one species over another?

Of the following numbered units, which is the youngest?

Upon what basis were the upper and lower boundaries of the Mesozoic Era defined?

This photograph shows light-colored granite and darker diorite both igneous rocks). Which of the following statements is true?

To what does the term evolution refer?

Which principle of relative dating can be used at Siccar Point in Scotland to determine that the rocks below the unconformity were tilted to vertical before erosion occurred?

This art work shows life on the sea bottom, at a time when fishes and creatures with shells appeared on Earth. What time period is represented?

What were some of the earliest forms of life on Earth?

This figure shows two sections that represent the same age range and contain some of the same fossils. If you compare the two sections, what conclusions do you come to?