Fossils and the Relative Age of Rocks

Front

What is the gradual change in living things over time called?

Back

Evolution

Front

What type of dating uses the order of rock layers to determine age?

Back

Relative dating

Front

If a scientist finds a fish fossil in the desert, what can they infer?

Back

The water covered the area long ago.

Front

In a cross section of rocks, which rock type is typically the oldest?

Back

The lowest rock type in the section.

Front

What is an index fossil?

Back

A fossil that is easily recognizable, lived for a short period, and is found in many different locations.

Front

Which law helps determine the relative age of rocks?

Back

The Law of Superposition.

Front

What does absolute dating provide?

Back

An exact age of a rock or fossil.

Front

What is the significance of finding fossils in sedimentary rock?

Back

It indicates that the area was once underwater or had suitable conditions for life.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Front

What does the term 'strata' refer to in geology?

Back

Layers of rock or soil.