Observations Vs

question 160

Multiple Choice

Observations vs. Explanations. Which of the following statements is an explanation?

• A) The farther a galaxy is, the faster it is moving away from us.
• B) The inner planets of the solar system are rocky and the outer planets are gas giants.
• C) The orderly orbits of planets arose from their formation in a rotating cloud of gas.
• D) Hydrogen and helium are important constituents of stars.
• E) All planets orbit the Sun in the same direction and nearly the same plane.

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Definitions:

Paleozoic

An era in the geologic time scale, approximately 541 to 252 million years ago, marked by the early development of life, including the Cambrian explosion.

Geologic Timescale

A system of chronological measurement that relates stratigraphy to time, used by geologists, paleontologists, and other Earth scientists to describe the timing and relationships between events that have occurred during Earth's history.

Precambrian Era

The Precambrian Era encompasses all of geological time prior to the Cambrian Period, covering approximately 88% of Earth's history and marked by the formation of the Earth and the appearance of early life.

Oldest Rocks

The earliest-formed rocks on Earth or within a specific geological setting, often found in the deepest layers of the Earth's crust.