Earth

Question 1

unitarianism

Answer 1

the theory that changes in the earth’s crust during geological history have resulted from the action of continuous and uniform processes.

Question 2

catastrophism

Answer 2

the theory that changes in the earth’s crust during geological history have resulted chiefly from sudden violent and unusual events.

Question 3

paleontology

Answer 3

the branch of science concerned with fossil animals and plants.

Question 4

relative dating

Answer 4

i.e. estimated age

Question 5

absolute dating

Answer 5

is the process of determining an age on a specified chronology in archaeology and geology. Some scientists prefer the terms chronometric or calendar dating, as use of the word______ implies an unwarranted certainty of accuracy.

Question 6

superposition

Answer 6

is a principle of quantum theory that describes a challenging concept about the nature and behavior of matter and forces at the sub-atomic level.

Question 7

isotope

Answer 7

each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, and hence differ in relative atomic mass but not in chemical properties; in particular, a radioactive form of an element.

Question 8

radioactive decay

Answer 8

is the process by which the nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and conversion electrons. A material that spontaneously emits such radiation is considered _________

Question 9

half-life

Answer 9

Half-life is the time required for a quantity to reduce to half its initial value. The term is commonly used in nuclear physics to describe how quickly unstable atoms undergo, or how long stable atoms survive, radioactive decay.

Question 10

fossil

Answer 10

is an American designer and manufacturer of accessories, primarily luxury high quality watches and jewelry, but also sunglasses, wallets, handbags and belts.

Question 11

trace fossil

Answer 11

a fossil of a footprint, trail, burrow, or other trace of an animal rather than of the animal itself.

Question 12

mold

Answer 12

A mold or mould is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. In contrast, fungi that can adopt a single-celled growth habit are called yeasts

Question 13

cast

Answer 13

an object made by shaping molten metal or similar material in a mold.

Question 14

unconformity

Answer 14

a surface of contact between two groups of unconformable strata.

Question 15

mass extinction

Answer 15

is a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth.

Question 16

Jurassic period

Answer 16

was the second segment of the Mesozoic Era. It occurred from 199.6 to 145.5 million years ago, following the Triassic Period

Question 17

Cretaceous period

Answer 17

______________ was the last and longest segment of the Mesozoic Era

Question 18

Devonian period

Answer 18

a period in time

Question 19

Quaternary period

Answer 19

is divided into two epochs: the Pleistocene

Question 20

Permian period

Answer 20

and system which spans 46.7 million years