HISTORY OF THE EARTH UNIT REVIEW

Front

What is the Law of Superposition?

Back

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

Front

What is relative dating in geology?

Back

A method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils by comparing their placement in layers of rock.

Front

What are index fossils?

Back

Fossils of organisms that were widespread but only existed for a short period of time, used to date the rock layers in which they are found.

Front

What is absolute dating?

Back

A technique used to determine the exact age of a rock or fossil through methods like radiometric dating.

Front

What is radiometric dating?

Back

A method of dating geological or archaeological specimens by determining the relative proportions of particular radioactive isotopes present in a sample.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rocks.

Front

What does the term 'sedimentary rock' refer to?

Back

Rocks formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, often containing fossils.

Front

What is the significance of marine fossils found on land?

Back

They indicate that the area was once underwater, providing evidence of past environmental changes.

Front

What is the fossil record?

Back

The history of life on Earth as documented by fossils, showing the progression and evolution of species over time.

Front

What is the difference between igneous and sedimentary rocks?

Back

Igneous rocks are formed from cooled magma or lava, while sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments.