Fossils & Law of Superposition

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What is a fossil?

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

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What is the Law of Superposition?

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The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed layers of rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

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What is a mold fossil?

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A mold fossil is a mark or cavity made in sediment in the shape of a shell or other body.

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What is a cast fossil?

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A cast fossil is a type of fossil that forms when a mold is filled with sediment, creating a solid 3D copy of the organism.

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What is relative age?

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Relative age is the age of a rock or fossil described in comparison to that of another rock or fossil.

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What is absolute age?

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

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What is a trace fossil?

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A trace fossil is a type of fossil that provides evidence of the activity of ancient organisms, such as footprints or burrows.

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What are sedimentary rocks?

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Sedimentary rocks are types of rocks formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

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What is the significance of fossils in understanding Earth's history?

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Fossils provide important information about past life forms, environments, and the changes that have occurred over time on Earth.

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How do scientists determine the age of fossils?

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Scientists determine the age of fossils using methods like relative dating, absolute dating, and the study of rock layers.