Geologic Time Scale Test! Trivia Quiz
If you want a geologic time scale test, this trivia quiz is exactly what you need. The earth has undergone a lot of changes since it was formed and a person who is well capable of telling you about this changes needs to have a proper understanding of time scales and events associated with them. Are you this type of person? Take up the quiz and keep a yes in mind if you get to answer all the questions right.
- 1.
All of the following show examples of relative ages EXCEPT:
- A.
Melissa is much older than Scott.
- B.
Rachel is younger than Wes, but the same age as Donna.
- C.
Sara is several years younger than Anthony.
- D.
Tommy is 10 years old.
Correct Answer
D. Tommy is 10 years old.Explanation
Relative age is a comparison of one object to another.Rate this question:
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- 2.
An extrusion occurs when ____________ hardens on the Earth’s surface.
- A.
The remains of an organism.
- B.
Lava
- C.
Magma
- D.
Fossils
Correct Answer
B. LavaExplanation
Extrusions are magma that reaches the surface of the Earth, therefore becoming lava.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In the picture, the arrow is pointing to a(n):
- A.
Fault
- B.
Unconformity
- C.
Intrusion
- D.
Extrusion
Correct Answer
C. IntrusionExplanation
The arrow is pointing to magma that cuts through the rocks but does not reach the surface of the earth.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Layer I is the oldest rock layer. Which geologic principle verifies this information?
- A.
Principle of Horizontality
- B.
Principle of Superposition
- C.
Principle of Extrusion
- D.
Principle of Inclusion
Correct Answer
B. Principle of SuperpositionExplanation
The Principle of Superposition states that in layers of undisturbed sedimentary rocks, the layer on the bottom is the oldest and layers above are progressively younger.Rate this question:
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- 5.
List the layers and geologic processes from oldest to youngest.
- A.
B, I, F, H, R, M
- B.
R, M, H, F, B, I
- C.
I, B, F, M, H, R
- D.
H, R, M, F, B, I
Correct Answer
C. I, B, F, M, H, RExplanation
The bottom layer is the oldest, the top layer is the youngest. Anything that cuts in front of rock layers is younger than the layers it cuts.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A gap in the geologic record that formed when sedimentary rocks cover an eroded surface is called:
- A.
Intrusion
- B.
Unconformity
- C.
Fault
- D.
Extrusion
Correct Answer
B. UnconformityExplanation
Unconformities are the result of layers of rock being eroded away and covered by other layers.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The geologic time scale is divided into _______________ based on changes in flora and fauna:
- A.
Relative ages
- B.
Absolute ages
- C.
Unconformities
- D.
Eras and periods
Correct Answer
D. Eras and periodsExplanation
Based on the fossil record, organisms have changed throughout Earth's history. These changes are represented in the Geologic Time Scale.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Scratches and scouring in rocks is most likely evidence of which geologic event?
- A.
Volcano
- B.
Meteorite
- C.
Flood
- D.
Ice Age
Correct Answer
D. Ice AgeExplanation
Scratches in rocks can be evidence of a glacier moving through the area.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Many scientists believe that the extinction of the dinosaurs was mostly the result of a meteorite hitting the Earth. What evidence supports this theory?
- A.
Large crater found in Mexico.
- B.
Samples of dinosaur lungs in fossils.
- C.
Existence of insects during the Triassic period.
- D.
Fossils found in the top layer of the Grand Canyon.
Correct Answer
A. Large crater found in Mexico.Explanation
Rock samples in the crater date back to the same period as dinosaurs.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following would NOT be evidence of an Ice Age?
- A.
Rock scouring
- B.
Valley formation
- C.
Carbon dioxide in ice core samples
- D.
Moraines
Correct Answer
C. Carbon dioxide in ice core samplesExplanation
Carbon dioxide can be found in call ice core samples. The amount of carbon dioxide provides evidence about Earth's past.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 18, 2016Quiz Created by
Cara Rocchi
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