Chapter 9 Notes Flashcards
geological time scale
a record of
the life forms and geological events in
Earth’s history.
what time does geological time start with and how much does it cover
precambrian, 88%
what time period are we in now
holocene epoch of the quaternary period of the cenezoic era
paleozioc era
Explosion of life in the oceans began during this era, Most of the continents were covered in warm, shallow seas, mot limestone and coal were formed,The Appalachian mountains were formed during this time,breakup of the world-continent Rodinia and formation of Pangaeathe largest mass
extinction in history wiped out approximately
90% of all marine animal species and 70% of
land animals.
Possible causes of this Mass Extinction Event
Lowering of sea levels when the continents were
rejoined as Pangaea (convergent boundary)
* Increased volcanic activity (ash and dust)
* Climate changes – cooler climate
Trilobites
Lived in Earth’s ancient seas
* Extinct before the dinosaurs
came into existence
Brachiopods
Marine animals that resemble bivalves
such as clams.
Early Fish
Early fish did not have jaws.
Some species of sharks
were in existence at this
time.
Early Land Plants Ex.
mosses, cone bearing plants, ferns
Mesozoic Era
At the beginning of this era the continents
were joined as Pangaea.
* Pangaea broke up around the middle of
this era.
* Reptiles became the most abundant
animals because of their ability to adapt to
the drier climate of the Mesozoic Era
Dinosaurs were also very active in this
era.
Small mammals and birds also
appeared during this era.The main plant life of this time were
Gymnosperms or plants that produce seeds,
but no flowers Flowering plants appeared during the END of
this era.This era ended with a mass extinction event
about 65 million years ago.
Mesozoic Era – Mass Extinction Event
Asteroid or Comet collides with Earth.
– Huge cloud of smoke and dust fills the air
– Blocks out sunlight
– Plants die
– Animals that eat plants die
– Animals that eat plant-eaters die.
- However, not all forms of life died during this
event. Many animals that you see today are
descendants from the survivors of this extinction
event.
Cenozoic Era
Began about 65 million years ago and continues
today!!!!!
– Climate was warm and mild.
– Marine animals such as whales and dolphins evolved.Mammals began to increase and evolve adaptations Climate was warm and mild.
– Marine animals such as whales and dolphins evolved.that allowed them to live in many different
environments – land, air and the sea.Many mountain ranges formed during the Cenozoic
Era Growth of these mountains may have helped to
cool down the climate As the climate changed, the animals had to adapt to the rise and fall of the oceans caused by melting glaciers.
Cenzoic Era Periods
Quaternary and Tertiary
Mesozoic Era Periods
Cretaceous, Jurassic, Triassic
Paleozoic Era Periods
Permian, Carboniferous, Devonian, Silurian, ordovician, cambrian
