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∙ 8y agoThe two changes to Earth's orbit that are part of the leading theory for the last Ice Age are variations in the planet's axial tilt (obliquity) and its orbital shape (eccentricity). These variations alter the distribution of sunlight reaching Earth's surface, affecting global climate and leading to periods of cooling and glaciation.
they occur as part of natural climate cycles caused by changes in Earth's orbit, tilt, and precession. These variations affect how sunlight is distributed on Earth's surface, leading to long-term changes in temperature and ice volume. The theory helps explain the periodicity of ice ages over geological time scales.
The leading theory for the formation of fossil fuels is that they were formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals buried deep underground over millions of years. The heat and pressure from the Earth's crust caused these organic materials to decompose and transform into coal, oil, and natural gas.
The theory that explains changes in Earth's crust due to internal forces is called plate tectonics. This theory describes how the Earth's outer layer is divided into several large, rigid plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. The movement and interaction of these plates cause various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation.
The currently accepted theory is that ice ages are caused by changes in Earth's orbit and tilt, known as Milankovitch cycles. These cycles affect the amount of sunlight reaching different parts of the Earth, leading to fluctuations in temperature and the growth and retreat of ice sheets. Other factors, such as volcanic activity and variations in greenhouse gas concentrations, can also influence the climate and contribute to the onset of ice ages.
theory of plate tectonics
Contenintal Drift theory
the movement and formation of the plates or continents is caused by conduction under the crust.
the movement and formation of the plates or continents is caused by conduction under the crust.
they occur as part of natural climate cycles caused by changes in Earth's orbit, tilt, and precession. These variations affect how sunlight is distributed on Earth's surface, leading to long-term changes in temperature and ice volume. The theory helps explain the periodicity of ice ages over geological time scales.
The Pleistocene overkill theory suggests that the extinction of large mammals during the Pleistocene epoch was caused by human hunting pressure. It argues that early humans were responsible for the mass extinction of large mammals like mammoths and saber-tooth cats, leading to significant changes in ecosystems. This theory remains a topic of debate among scientists studying prehistoric extinctions.
Introduced by Motoo Kimura, the neutral theory states that the vast majority of evolutionary changes at the molecular level are caused by random drift of selectively neutral mutants.
Introduced by Motoo Kimura, the neutral theory states that the vast majority of evolutionary changes at the molecular level are caused by random drift of selectively neutral mutants.
The leading theory for the first mass extinction 65 million years ago is a catastrophic event such as an asteroid impact. This event is believed to have led to environmental changes that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species.
oblong
That the theory of evolution by natural selection fits the facts of evolution. The theory of evolution by natural selection is based on myriad lives of converging evidence and is the best explanation we have for the adaptive changes leading to speciation in populations of organisms.
Changes caused by weathering and erosion typically occur over long periods of time due to the gradual wearing down of rocks and landforms by natural elements like wind, water, and ice. In contrast, changes caused by earthquakes happen suddenly and are the result of tectonic plate movement, leading to rapid shifts in the Earth's crust. Both processes can alter the Earth's surface, but weathering and erosion are slow and gradual, while earthquakes are sudden and more dramatic.
The leading theory for the formation of fossil fuels is that they were formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals buried deep underground over millions of years. The heat and pressure from the Earth's crust caused these organic materials to decompose and transform into coal, oil, and natural gas.