Chapter 10 Notes - Deep Time: How Old Is Old?

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on geological time divisions and significant events in Earth's history.

EON

A major division of geological time that encompasses multiple eras.

ERA

An interval of geologic time that subdivides an Eon.

PERIOD

An interval of geologic time that subdivides an Era.

EPOCH

An interval of geologic time that subdivides a Period.

Cenozoic

The most recent Era, also known as the Era of recent life.

Precambrian

The time before the Cambrian period, including the Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic eons.

Paleozoic Era

The Era characterized by ancient life, preceding the Mesozoic Era.

Mesozoic Era

The Era known for the presence of dinosaurs, following the Paleozoic and preceding the Cenozoic.

Cambrian Explosion

A rapid diversification of life that occurred during the Cambrian period, marked by the appearance of many new organisms.

Phanerozoic Eon

The Eon that begins at the Cambrian period and includes the current geological time.