fossil fuels

Question 1

uniformitarianism

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

Paleontology is the study of ancient life, from dinosaurs to prehistoric plants, mammals, fish, insects, fungi, and even microbes.

Question 4

relative dating

Answer 4

the process of determining if one rock or geologic event is older or younger than another, without knowing their specific ages

Question 5

absolute dating

Answer 5

measure the physical properties of an object itself and use these measurements to calculate its age.

Question 6

superposition

Answer 6

the ability of a quantum system to be in multiple states at the same time until it is measured.

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

the process in which a radioactive atom spontaneously gives off radiation in the form of energy or particles to reach a more stable state.

Question 9

half-life

Answer 9

the interval of time required for one-half of the atomic nuclei of a radioactive sample to decay

Question 10

fossil

Answer 10

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

Question 11

. trace fossil

Answer 11

geological records of the activities and behaviors of past life.

Question 12

mold

Answer 12

mold fossil (plural mold fossils) A fossil formed when sediment fills the inside or covers the outside of a dead organism and the organism’s remains do not persist, leaving just the shape and texture of the rock to indicate the organic material that was there.

Question 13

. cast

Answer 13

If this imprint fills in with minerals from sediment and groundwater, it can harden to form a fossil.

Question 14

unconformity

Answer 14

a surface of contact between two groups of unconformable strata.

Question 15

. mass extinction

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Jurassic period (for 16-20 list when the time period was and what was the dominant animal group on Earth)

Answer 16

The Jurassic Period was a golden time for dinosaurs, which flourished for 180 million years. Huge sauropod herbivores

Question 17

Cretaceous period

Answer 17

The Cretaceous is defined as the period between 145.5 and 65.5 million years ago,