Seekh Logo

AI-powered learning platform providing comprehensive practice questions, detailed explanations, and interactive study tools across multiple subjects.

Explore Subjects

Sciences
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
Humanities
  • Psychology
  • History
  • Philosophy

Learning Tools

  • Study Library
  • Practice Quizzes
  • Flashcards
  • Study Summaries
  • Q&A Bank
  • PDF to Quiz Converter
  • Video Summarizer
  • Smart Flashcards

Support

  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Pricing

© 2025 Seekh Education. All rights reserved.

Seekh Logo
HomeHomework HelpgeologyGeological Time Scale Theories

Geological Time Scale Theories

The Geological Time Scale Theories refer to the framework used by geologists and paleontologists to categorize Earth's history into distinct intervals based on significant geological and biological events, such as mass extinctions and the emergence of major life forms. This scale is divided into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages, providing a chronological context for understanding the evolution of life and the planet's geological changes over time.

intermediate
3 hours
Geology
0 views this week
Study FlashcardsQuick Summary
0

Overview

The Geological Time Scale is a crucial framework for understanding Earth's history, dividing it into eons, eras, periods, and epochs based on significant geological and biological events. This scale helps scientists date rocks and fossils, providing insights into the evolution of life and the planet...

Quick Links

Study FlashcardsQuick SummaryPractice Questions

Key Terms

Eon
The largest division of geological time, lasting hundreds of millions to billions of years.

Example: The Phanerozoic eon is known for abundant fossil records.

Era
A subdivision of an eon, marked by significant geological or biological events.

Example: The Mesozoic era is known as the age of dinosaurs.

Period
A subdivision of an era, characterized by specific geological formations or life forms.

Example: The Jurassic period is famous for its large dinosaurs.

Epoch
A subdivision of a period, often defined by significant changes in the Earth's climate or life.

Example: The Holocene epoch is the current epoch, starting around 11,700 years ago.

Fossil
The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Example: Fossils help scientists understand past life forms and environments.

Radiometric Dating
A method used to date materials by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Example: Carbon dating is a common radiometric dating technique.

Related Topics

Paleoclimatology
The study of past climates using geological and biological evidence.
intermediate
Plate Tectonics
The theory explaining the movement of Earth's plates and its impact on geological features.
intermediate
Evolutionary Biology
The study of the processes that have led to the diversity of life on Earth.
advanced

Key Concepts

EonsErasPeriodsEpochs