The Age of Earth's Rocks

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains of an organism from long ago.

Front

According to the law of superposition, where are the oldest fossils found?

Back

Near the bottom of the rock layers.

Front

What can you infer about an animal with sharp, pointed teeth?

Back

The animal ate meat.

Front

What do fossils provide evidence about?

Back

Plants and animals that lived long ago.

Front

What does it mean when a species becomes extinct?

Back

All of its members have died.

Front

What is the law of superposition?

Back

A geological principle stating that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom.

Front

What is relative age in geology?

Back

The age of a rock or fossil in comparison to other rocks or fossils.

Front

What is a stratum?

Back

A layer of rock or soil with internally consistent characteristics that distinguish it from other layers.

Front

What is a clast?

Back

A fragment of rock or mineral that has been broken off from a larger rock.

Front

What can fossils tell us about past environments?

Back

Fossils can indicate the climate, habitat, and ecological conditions of the time they were formed.