Fossils and Geological Principles

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, typically found in sedimentary rock.

Front

What are index fossils?

Back

Index fossils are fossils that are abundant, easily recognizable, short-lived, and widespread, used to date and correlate the age of rock layers.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, younger rock layers are on top of older rock layers.

Front

What is the significance of Layer Z in geological diagrams?

Back

Layer Z is significant because it represents the youngest rock layer, having been formed from molten rock that intruded through older layers.

Front

Which type of rock is most likely to contain fossils?

Back

Sedimentary rock is most likely to contain fossils, as it forms from the accumulation of sediment and organic material.

Front

What is relative dating in geology?

Back

Relative dating is a method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another, without determining their exact age.

Front

What is absolute dating?

Back

Absolute dating is a method used to determine the actual age of a rock or fossil, often using techniques like radiometric dating.

Front

What are the characteristics of a good index fossil?

Back

A good index fossil is widespread, abundant, easily recognizable, and existed for a short geological time.

Front

What is the difference between a mold and a cast fossil?

Back

A mold fossil is an impression of an organism left in sediment, while a cast fossil is a replica formed when minerals fill the mold.

Front

How do fossils help in understanding Earth's history?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms, their environments, and the changes that have occurred over geological time.