Question

Match List I with List II with respect to chronology of evolution of life forms :

List I             List II
A. About 65 mya    I. Jawless fish probably evolved
B. About 500 mya   II. The dinosaurs suddenly disappeared from the earth
C. About 350 mya   III. Seaweeds and few plants probably existed
D. About 320 mya   IV. Invertebrates were formed and became active

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
• B. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
• C. A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
• D. A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I

Hint:

Logic Tip: The extinction of dinosaurs at 65 mya is one of the most famous dates in evolutionary history. Knowing A matches to II immediately eliminates options 2 and 3!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
The geological time scale traces the origin and evolution of life forms on Earth over millions of years (mya). Memorizing the specific time periods for the emergence and extinction of major biological groups is crucial for understanding evolutionary history.
Step 1:
About 65 million years ago, a mass extinction event occurred (likely due to an asteroid impact), which led to the sudden disappearance of non-avian dinosaurs from the Earth. Match: A $\rightarrow$ II
Step 2:
Around 500 million years ago, during the early Paleozoic era, the first major groups of complex animals, specifically the marine invertebrates, were formed and became highly active. Match: B $\rightarrow$ IV
Step 3:
About 350 million years ago, the first vertebrate fishes lacking jaws (Jawless fishes or Agnatha) probably evolved and became prominent in the oceans. Match: C $\rightarrow$ I
Step 4:
By approximately 320 million years ago, early aquatic plant life such as seaweeds and a few other primitive plants probably existed and began to diversify. Match: D $\rightarrow$ III
Step 5:
Combining these chronological matches gives the sequence A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III. This matches Option (1).