Fall 2024_Fossil Record

Front

What is the fraction of the original parent isotope that remains after 3 half-lives?

Back

0.1250 g

Front

True or False: Most organisms become fossils after death.

Back

False

Front

Which rock layer most likely contains fossils of the most recently evolved organisms?

Back

Layer 1

Front

What is the term for the length of time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay?

Back

The half-life

Front

Which fossil is older: Fossil D or Fossil C?

Back

Fossil D is older than Fossil C.

Front

Define 'fossil record'.

Back

The fossil record is the history of life on Earth as documented by fossils, which are the preserved remains or traces of organisms.

Front

What is a half-life in radioactive decay?

Back

A half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

Explain the significance of rock layers in understanding the age of fossils.

Back

Rock layers, or strata, help determine the relative ages of fossils; deeper layers typically contain older fossils.

Front

What is the difference between a parent isotope and a daughter product?

Back

A parent isotope is the original radioactive isotope that decays, while a daughter product is the stable isotope formed from the decay.

Front

How can scientists use the fossil record to study evolution?

Back

Scientists analyze the fossil record to observe changes in species over time, providing evidence for evolutionary processes.