Exam 1: Understanding Earth: A Dynamic and Evolving Planet

Earth's six principal subsystems are ____________________,____________________,____________________,____________________,____________________,and ____________________.

Why is Earth considered to be a dynamic (as opposed to static)planet?

The two primary materials that geologists use as clues to understand Earth's past are ____________________ and ____________________.

The portion of Earth that has the largest volume is the ____________________.

What are the characteristics of the terrestrial planets?

In the 19ᵗʰ century,the geologic time scale was based primarily on sequence of fossils in the rock record.

The Big Bang took place approximately ____ years ago.

What is the definition of the word "theory" as used in science?

Earth's solid portion is divided into concentric layers of rock and other materials that may be solid,liquid,or partially molten.From the center to the surface,these are known as the inner ____________________,outer ____________________,lower ____________________,upper ____________________,and ____________________.

At the moment of the Big Bang,

The two types of crust are known as lithospheric and oceanic.

The age of the universe is estimated by ____.

Rocks that form from the crystallization of lava or magma are ____________________ rocks.

What is Pluto now that it is no longer a planet,and what are the characteristics of that type of body?

The central thesis of the theory of organic evolution is that there has always been the same diversity of species on Earth in the past as today.

Describe how the universe,galaxies,stars,and chemical elements formed.