11.2 Flashcard

Front

What type of fossil did Steno compare the shark's teeth to?

Back

Shark fossils

Front

Why is the concept of unchanging natural laws important for scientists?

Back

It allows them to interpret past events.

Front

What is one method geologists use to correlate rock layers over large distances?

Back

Using distinctive rock formations recognizable across large regions.

Front

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

Back

A gap in rock layers.

Front

What happened to the whole rock sequence?

Back

It was tilted.

Front

Define 'fossil'.

Back

A preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Front

What is the principle of superposition in geology?

Back

In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

Explain the significance of index fossils in geology.

Back

Index fossils are used to identify and date the age of rock layers.

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating determines the sequence of events, while absolute dating provides a specific age.

Front

What is a geological time scale?

Back

A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time.