Geologic History unit Review

Front

What are the two main traits of the best index fossils?

Back

Widespread geographically and short lifespan.

Front

Which two layers in a geological column are the same age?

Back

Bottom North and Middle West.

Front

What is an index fossil?

Back

A fossil that is used to define and identify a particular time period in the geological time scale.

Front

What is the new atom called after a radioactive atom goes through decay?

Back

Daughter isotope.

Front

What is a parent isotope?

Back

The original radioactive isotope that undergoes decay.

Front

What is the significance of index fossils in geology?

Back

They help in dating and correlating the age of rock layers.

Front

What does the term 'geologic time scale' refer to?

Back

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

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 fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Front

What is stratigraphy?

Back

The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification).