Sedimentary Processes and Fossils

Front

What is the relative age of a rock?

Back

The age of a rock compared to the ages of other rocks.

Front

What is stratigraphy?

Back

The science of dating fossils based on the rock layers they are found in.

Front

What is paleontology?

Back

The study of fossils.

Front

What does the law of superposition state?

Back

In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest fossils are found near the bottom.

Front

What is a period of mass extinction?

Back

A time when a significant number of species die out in a relatively short period.

Front

What is absolute age?

Back

The actual age of a rock or fossil, often determined through radiometric dating.

Front

What is the difference between relative age and absolute age?

Back

Relative age compares the age of rocks to one another, while absolute age provides a specific age.

Front

What is radiometric dating?

Back

A method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils through the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Front

What is a geologic column?

Back

A representation of the layers of rock and fossils in a specific area, showing their relative ages.

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.