Eras Of Earth's History Quiz

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Earth Quizzes & Trivia

Do you know the eras of earth’s history? Would you be interested in this quiz? As it pertains to this quiz, you need to be aware of what the term mass extinctions mean, what occurred at the beginning of the Paleozoic era, the correct order of the eras happening Precambrian Time, and what is the Eoarchean era. This quiz will teach you about the eras of the earth’s history. Good luck.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    A _______________ is where a large number of species die off at the same time.

    • A.

      Half-life

    • B.

      Isotopic analysis

    • C.

      Uniformitarianism

    • D.

      Mass extinction

    Correct Answer
    D. Mass extinction
    Explanation
    A mass extinction refers to a situation where a significant number of species die off simultaneously. This event can occur due to various factors such as natural disasters, climate change, or human activities. Mass extinctions have happened several times in the Earth's history, with the most well-known example being the extinction of the dinosaurs. These events have a profound impact on ecosystems and can lead to significant changes in the composition and diversity of life on Earth.

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  • 2. 

    At the beginning of the Paleozoic Era was the _______________ explosion, in which a large variety of organisms developed and evolved.

    • A.

      Ordovician

    • B.

      Silurian

    • C.

      Cambrian

    • D.

      Cretaceous

    Correct Answer
    C. Cambrian
    Explanation
    During the Cambrian explosion, which occurred at the beginning of the Paleozoic Era, a diverse range of organisms developed and evolved. This period is known for the rapid appearance of many complex animal forms, including the first appearance of hard-shelled animals and the emergence of various marine ecosystems. The Cambrian explosion marks a significant milestone in the history of life on Earth, as it led to the establishment of the major animal groups that still exist today.

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  • 3. 

    During the ______________ Period, there were huge insects, due in part to the large amount of oxygen in the atmosphere.

    • A.

      Silurian

    • B.

      Carboniferous

    • C.

      Triassic

    • D.

      Tertiary

    Correct Answer
    B. Carboniferous
    Explanation
    During the Carboniferous Period, there were huge insects, due in part to the large amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. The Carboniferous Period, which lasted from about 359 to 299 million years ago, was characterized by high levels of atmospheric oxygen. This abundance of oxygen allowed insects to grow to much larger sizes than they are today. Fossil evidence from this period shows the existence of giant dragonflies and other insects with wingspans of over two feet. The high oxygen levels also supported the growth of dense forests, which eventually became the coal deposits that give the Carboniferous its name.

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  • 4. 

    What is the correct order of the Eras occurring after Precambrian Time?

    • A.

      Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic

    • B.

      Cenozoic, Paleozoic, Mesozoic

    • C.

      Paleozoic, Cenozoic, Mesozoic

    • D.

      Cenozoic, Mesozoic, Paleozoic

    Correct Answer
    A. Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic
    Explanation
    The correct order of the Eras occurring after Precambrian Time is Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic. This is because the Paleozoic Era occurred first, followed by the Mesozoic Era, and then the Cenozoic Era. The Paleozoic Era is known for the development of complex life forms, such as fish, insects, and amphibians. The Mesozoic Era is commonly referred to as the Age of Dinosaurs, as it was during this time that dinosaurs dominated the Earth. Finally, the Cenozoic Era is the current era and is characterized by the rise of mammals and the evolution of humans.

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  • 5. 

    The _______________ Era is referred to as the "Age of Reptiles," because _______________ were the dominant life form.

    • A.

      Paleozoic; mammals

    • B.

      Mesozoic; dinosaurs

    • C.

      Precambrian; jellyfish

    • D.

      Cenozoic; bacteria

    Correct Answer
    B. Mesozoic; dinosaurs
    Explanation
    During the Mesozoic Era, dinosaurs were the dominant life form. This era, which lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago, is often referred to as the "Age of Reptiles" because dinosaurs ruled the land during this time. They were a diverse group of reptiles that thrived and evolved into various species, occupying different ecological niches. The dominance of dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era had a significant impact on the Earth's ecosystems and shaped the evolutionary trajectory of many other organisms.

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  • 6. 

    The ________________ Era is referred to as the "Age of Mammals," since mammals like humans, are the dominant life form.

    • A.

      Mesozoic

    • B.

      Paleozoic

    • C.

      Cenozoic

    • D.

      Precambrian

    Correct Answer
    C. Cenozoic
    Explanation
    The Cenozoic Era is referred to as the "Age of Mammals" because it is the time period when mammals, including humans, became the dominant life form on Earth. This era began approximately 66 million years ago and continues to the present day. During this time, mammals diversified and evolved into various forms, occupying different ecological niches. The Cenozoic Era is characterized by the emergence of primates, including humans, and the development of complex ecosystems that we see today.

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  • 7. 

    The Eoarchean era is the first era of the Proterozoic Eon.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      Flase

    Correct Answer
    B. Flase
    Explanation
    The Eoarchean era is the first era of the Archean Eon of the geologic record for which the Earth has a solid crust.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 17, 2018
    Quiz Created by
    Bsowens
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