Proterozoic Eon: Objectives

THE PROTEROZOIC EON

Upon completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. describe why modern style orogenic events are said to have started in the Proterozoic;
2. elaborate on the Proterozoic episodes of continental glaciation;
3. explain the suggested hypothesis for the origin of eukaryotes;
4. discuss the evolution of the atmosphere during the Proterozoic and the evidences that support its progression;
5. characterize the Proterozoic fossil record and the important evolutionary changes in the biota that it indicates;
6. describe the mechanisms for the assembly and evolution of the North American continent during the Proterozoic;
7. analyze the formation of super-continents and their break up.