Origin and History of Life : Biology

Question 1

Geological Timescale

Answer 1

Divides Earth’s time into eons, periods, and epochs defined by major geological or biological events.

Question 2

What is the Big Bang Theory?

Answer 2

13.8 billion years ago. Believed to be the most credible scientific explanation of how the Universe was created. Through a process of expansion and explosion hydrogen gas was created which led to the formation of stars, and their death (supernova) led to the creation of life.

Question 3

What are the approximate dates and ages of the origins on Earth?

Answer 3

Earth = 4.6 BYA
First life (prokaryotes) = 4.2-3.8 BYA
Photosynthetic microbes = 3.7 BYA
Eukaryotes = 1.5 BYA
Ocean animals = 570 MYA
Land animals = 375 MYA
Land plants = 475 MYA
Primates, Hominins, and Humans = 6 MYA

Question 4

Abiotic Synthesis (formation of small molecules)