Unit #5 Fossil Record

Front

What is the Fossil Record?

Back

A description of all known fossils that is organized in order from the oldest to the most recent.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

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

Front

What is Radioactive Decay?

Back

The process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation, forming new elements.

Front

What is an Unconformity in geology?

Back

A gap in the geological record that indicates a period of erosion or non-deposition.

Front

What is Permineralization?

Back

A process in which minerals fill the pores of organic material, preserving its structure.

Front

What is the difference between Intrusion and Extrusion?

Back

Intrusion is magma that cools and solidifies within the Earth's crust, while extrusion is lava that erupts onto the surface.

Front

What is the significance of Layer E in geological studies?

Back

Layer E is often used as a reference point for determining the relative ages of other layers.

Front

Can rocks on Earth's surface be old?

Back

False. Rocks on Earth's surface can be both young and old.

Front

What is Uniformitarianism?

Back

The principle that the same geological processes that operate today also operated in the past.

Front

What is a Fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.