Exam 1: Understanding Earth: a Dynamic and Evolving Planet

Substances that are naturally occurring in a solid state, with a definite or a range of chemical composition and definite crystalline structure are called _____________.

Briefly explain the importance of the principle of uniformitarianism to the study of historical geology.

What is natural selection?

What are the three ways sedimentary rocks can form?

Earth formed ____________________ billion years ago.

The theory that modern-day organisms are related and happen to have descended with modifications form organisms living in the past is called the theory of _____________.

What is the definition of theory as used in science? How is the word misused in day-to-day language?

What is one way in which geologic knowledge is used to benefit humans?

What is the basic premise of the principle of uniformitarianism?

The material in Earth's inner core is ____________________, while the outer core is ____________________.

How do metamorphic rocks form?

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are referred to as _____________ planets.

The two types of crust are continental and oceanic.

Assemblages of mineral(s) are generally referred to as ______________.

What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are referred to as _____________ planets.

When the universe originated, it was composed of 100% ____________________ and ____________________, but now consists of ____________________% hydrogen and 2% ____________________ elements.

A theory-such as the theory of plate tectonics or the theory of evolution-is not accepted by a large number of scientists.

Natural selection refers to survival of organisms that are best adapted to their environment.

What is Doppler effect?