Index Fossils and Geologic Time (NYS Regents)

Front

On top of Mt. Everest, there are fossilized remains of sea life; this tells us that the rocks at the top of world's highest mountain

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used to be below sea level

Front

Which best describes a fossil that helps determine the relative age of a rock layer? Options: trace fossil, index fossil, radioactive fossil, unconformity fossil

Back

index fossil

Front

How long ago did the Earth form, according to geologists?

Back

4600 million years ago

Front

Most fossils are found in __________ rock layers

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sedimentary

Front

Certain fossils existed all over the world, but only for a short period of geologic time. If a geologist finds this fossil in a layer of rock, he/she will be able to tell how old that rock layer is. These are called

Back

index fossils

Front

How do MOST fossils form?

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living things die and their remains are quickly buried by sediments

Front

Which rock layer in the diagram seems to be the oldest? Options: F, E, B, C

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B

Front

Paleozoic, Mesozoic & Cenozoic are all

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Eras

Front

The diagram represents the placoderm fish Bothriolepis, an index fossil found in New York State. What time period is this fossil from?

Back

Devonian

Front

Valcouroceras is a New York State index fossil. Which mountain-building event occurred in New York State during the time when Valcouroceras was living in oceans covering parts of New York State?

Back

Taconian orogeny