ELS1 Review - Fossils & Geologic Time Scale

Front

What is the age of a rock or fossil described in comparison to that of another rock or fossil?

Back

Relative Age

Front

What can be inferred about the relationship between a fossilized mastodon skeleton and an elephant’s skeleton based on their structural similarities and differences?

Back

They are most likely related.

Front

If a fossil is found in the lowest layer of rock in a canyon, what can be inferred about its age compared to fossils found in higher layers?

Back

It is older than the fossils in higher layers.

Front

Which layer of rock is typically the youngest?

Back

The top layer (Layer A).

Front

What can be inferred if fossils of sea creatures are found under land where cows now live?

Back

This land was once under the ocean.

Front

What is the term for the actual age of a rock or fossil, often determined through radiometric dating?

Back

Absolute Age

Front

What is the process called that describes the gradual change in species over time?

Back

Evolution

Front

What is the term for the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms?

Back

Fossils

Front

What is the geological time scale?

Back

A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time.

Front

What is the significance of the Law of Superposition in geology?

Back

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