Learning Objective
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of Earth's geologic history and it's diversity of live over time. 8.E.6
How has Earth changed over time?
The geologic time scale interpreted from rock strata provides a way to organize major historical events in Earth's history. Analysis of rock strata and the fossil record, which documents the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of many life forms throughout history, provide only relative dates, not an absolute scale. Changes in life forms are shaped by Earth's varying geological conditions.
How do organisms change over time?
Adaptation by natural selection acting over generations is one important process by which species change in response to changes in environmental conditions. The resources of biological communities can be used within sustainable limits, but if the ecosystem becomes unbalanced in ways that prevent the sustainable use of resources, then ecosystems degradation and species extinction can occur.