Geologic Time Scale and Fossils

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What is a carbon film fossil?

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A type of fossil consisting of an extremely thin coating of carbon on rock.

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What does 'absolute age' refer to in geology?

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The exact age of a fossil determined by radiometric dating.

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What are fossils?

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Preserved remains of plants and animals from the remote past.

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What is an index fossil?

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A fossil used to establish the age of a rock layer because it is distinct, abundant, and widespread, and the species existed for a short span of geologic time.

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What is a mold fossil?

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An impression left by the original organism.

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What is a cast fossil?

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A fossil that forms when a mold is filled with sediment or mineral deposits.

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What is a trace fossil?

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Fossils that provide evidence of the activity of ancient organisms, such as footprints or burrows.

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What is relative age?

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The age of a rock layer or fossil in comparison to other layers or fossils.

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What is the significance of sedimentary rocks in fossil formation?

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Sedimentary rocks are where most fossils are found because they form in layers that can preserve remains.

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What is radiometric dating?

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A method used to determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.