8S: Index Fossils Flashcard

Front

What is an index fossil?

Back

An index fossil is a fossil that is used to define and identify a particular time period in the geological time scale. It is typically widespread, abundant, and existed for a relatively short duration.

Front

Which fossil is considered the oldest among Trilobite, Ammonite, Crinoid, and Gastropod?

Back

Trilobite is considered the oldest fossil among these options.

Front

What are body fossils?

Back

Body fossils are the preserved physical remains of an organism's body, such as bones, shells, or teeth.

Front

What are trace fossils?

Back

Trace fossils are geological records of biological activity, such as footprints, burrows, or feces, rather than the actual remains of the organism.

Front

What does relative age tell us?

Back

Relative age expresses the order or sequence of events, indicating which things are older or younger than others.

Front

What is absolute age?

Back

Absolute age is the actual age of a rock or fossil, often determined through radiometric dating.

Front

What is the last step in the fossilization process?

Back

The last step in the fossilization process is fossil formation.

Front

Which rock layer typically contains the youngest fossils?

Back

The rock layer labeled 'F' contains the youngest fossils.

Front

What is the significance of index fossils in geology?

Back

Index fossils help geologists correlate the age of rock layers and understand the historical timeline of life on Earth.

Front

How do paleontologists use fossils to understand Earth's history?

Back

Paleontologists study fossils to learn about past life forms, their environments, and how they evolved over time.