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theory of biogenesis states that only living organisms can produce other living organisms. Cambrian explosion rapid diversification of most major animal groups during the Paleozoic era. endosymbiont theory explains that eukaryotic cells may have evolved from prokaryotic cells. era a large division of Earth's geologic time scale that is further divided into one or more periods. fossil preserved evidence of an organism, often found in sedimentary rock, that provides evidence of past life. geologic time scale model showing major geological and biological events in Earth's history. half-life amount of time required for half of a radioactive isotope to decay. K-T boundary layer of iridium-rich material between rocks of the Cretaceous period and rocks of the Paleogene period that provides evidence of a meteorite impact. law of superposition states that the oldest layers of rock are found at the bottom and the youngest layers of rock are found at the top of a formation if the rock layers have not been disturbed. paleontologist scientist who studies fossils. period subdivision of an era on the geologic time scale. plate tectonics geologic theory that Earth's surface is broken into several huge plates that move slowly on a partially molten rock layer. radiometric dating method used to determine the age of rocks using the rate of decay of radioactive isotopes. relative dating method used to determine the age of rocks by comparing the rocks with younger and older rock layers. spontaneous generation idea that life arises from nonliving things.