History of Life on Earth

Question 1

Biogeography

Answer 1

The study of the distribution of species, both existing and extinct, based on the geological history of the areas in which they are found.

Question 2

Phylogenetic Trees

Answer 2

Diagrams of branched lines that show the evolutionary history of related species that starts with the oldest common ancestor

Question 3

Fossil

Answer 3

The remains, impressions or traces of ancient life forms preserved in Earth’s crust for millions of years.

Question 4

Fossilisation

Answer 4

The process by which dead organisms or parts of them are changed into fossils.

Question 5

Palaeontology

Answer 5

Study of fossils

Question 6

Isotopes

Answer 6

Variations of the same elements but with different numbers of neutrons

Question 7

Biological Markers

Answer 7

Well-known fossil specimens whose age is already known. Called index fossils.

Question 8

Eon

Answer 8

Largest defined unit of time - divided into eras

Question 9

Era

Answer 9

The main division of geological time - divided into periods

Question 10

Periods

Answer 10

Subdivision of era

Question 11

mya

Answer 11

million years ago

Question 12

Palaeozoic

Answer 12

The era between the Precambrian aeon and the Mesozoic era, or the system of rocks deposited during it.

Question 13

Mesozoic

Answer 13

Relating to or denoting the era between the Palaeozoic and Cenozoic eras, comprising the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

Question 14

Cenozoic

Answer 14

Relating to or denoting the most recent era, following the Mesozoic era and comprising the Tertiary and Quaternary periods.

Question 15

Precambrian

Answer 15

Noting or pertaining to the earliest era of earth history, ending 570 million years ago, during which the earth’s crust formed and life first appeared in the seas.