Fossil Record 2024

Front

What can scientists infer if they find a fish fossil in the desert?

Back

The water covered the area long ago.

Front

What is the shortest time frame in the geologic time scale?

Back

Epoch

Front

Which rock layer is the oldest?

Back

Layer 1

Front

What are the relative ages of the rock layers from OLDEST to YOUNGEST?

Back

Limestone, Siltstone, Fault, Basalt

Front

What is a break in the geologic record caused by erosion over time called?

Back

Unconformity

Front

What is the Law of Superposition?

Back

In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What does the Law of Crosscutting state?

Back

If a rock layer cuts through another, the layer that is cut is older.

Front

What is relative dating in geology?

Back

Determining the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Front

What is the significance of the fossil record?

Back

It provides evidence of the history of life on Earth and shows how species have changed over time.