Earth Flashcards

1
Q

. uniformitarianism

A

a priv=ciple that states the geologic processes that occured in the past can be explained by current geological process

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2
Q

catastrophism

A

a priciple that states that geologic change change occurs suddenly

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3
Q

paleontology

A

a dinosaur doctor

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4
Q

relative dating

A

any meathod of determining whether an event or object is older or younger than other events or objecys

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5
Q

absolute dating

A

the process of determining an age

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6
Q

superposition

A

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

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7
Q

isotope

A

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.

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8
Q

radioactive decay

A

the process by which the nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation

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9
Q

half-life

A

the time required for a quantity to reduce to half its initial value.

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10
Q

fossil

A

the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock.

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11
Q

trace fossil

A

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

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12
Q

mold

A

A fossil formed when an animal, plant, or other organism dies and is covered by sediment

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13
Q

A fossil formed when an animal, plant, or other organism dies, its flesh decays and bones deteriorate due to chemical reactions; minerals gradually enter into the cavity, resulting in a cast

A

Cast

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14
Q

unconformity

A

a surface of contact between two groups of unconformable strata

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15
Q

mass extinction

A

a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth.

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16
Q

Jurassic period

A

the second segment of the Mesozoic Era.

17
Q

Cretaceous period

A

The Cretaceous Period was the last and longest segment of the Mesozoic Era. It lasted approximately 79 million years

18
Q

Devonian period

A

a geologic period and system of the Paleozoic Era, spanning 60 million years

19
Q

Quaternary period

A

divided into two epochs: the Pleistocene (2.588 million years ago to 11.7 thousand years ago) and the Holocene (11.7 thousand years ago to today).

20
Q

Permian period

A

lasted from 299 to 251 million years ago* and was the last period of the Paleozoic Era.