The Phanerozoic Eon corresponding to the age of complex multicellular life as recorded in fossils encompasses ________.
A)roughly the last 12% of Earth history
B)only the first 50 million years of the Cambrian Period
C)the first 4.6 billion years of Earth history
D)only the latest 56 million years of Earth history

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Phanerozoic Eon represents the past 541 million years of Earth history and is characterized by the presence of complex multicellular life forms. This eon is divided into three eras, the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic, covering roughly the last 12% of Earth history. Option B is incorrect as the Cambrian Period is just one of several periods within the Paleozoic Era. Option C is incorrect as it refers to the entire history of Earth, not just the Phanerozoic Eon. Option D is incorrect as it only represents a small portion of the Phanerozoic Eon, specifically the Cenozoic Era.

The Phanerozoic Eon Corresponding to the Age of Complex Multicellular