Dinosaurs have been extinct for about 6.5x10^7 years, while Neanderthals have been extinct for about 3.0x10^4 years. About how many times longer have dinosaurs been extinct than Neanderthals?
a. 1,000 times longer
b. 2,000 times longer
c. 10,000 times longer
d. 20,000 times longer
The difference in years between when dinosaurs and Neanderthals went extinct can be calculated as:
6.5x10^7 - 3.0x10^4 = 6.5x10^7 years
Now, to determine how many times longer dinosaurs have been extinct compared to Neanderthals, we divide the number of years dinosaurs have been extinct by the number of years Neanderthals have been extinct:
6.5x10^7 / 3.0x10^4 = 2166.67
Since dinosaurs have been extinct approximately 2166.67 times longer than Neanderthals, the closest answer choice is:
b. 2,000 times longer