Index Fossils

What can we say about all of the fossil 2s?

• they are all about the same age

• they are all found in the same place

Which rock layer contains the newest fossils?

• F

• E

• B

• C

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which rock layer in the diagram seems to be the oldest?

• F

• E

• B

• A

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following ARE NOT required characteristics of Index Fossils?

• easily recognizable

• became extinct quickly

• globaly widespread

• abundant (lots of them)

• oceanic organism

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is the main reason that Michigan's petosky stone (coral fossil from the Denovian period) is NOT a good index fossil?

• it is no easily recognizable

• it did not became extinct quickly

• it is not globaly widespread

• it is not abundant

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Does the picture represent relative or absolute dating?

• relative

• absolute

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Examine the image here. Hint: Use the slides to get a better view. Which organism appeared last?

• Gastropod

• Trilobite

• Crinoid

• Fern

• Ammonite

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of an index fossil?

• A) Limited to a specific geographic area

• B) Found in only one type of rock

• C) Existed for a short geological time period

• D) Difficult to identify

Index fossils are most useful for which of the following purposes?

• A) Determining the age of the Earth

• B) Identifying the mineral content of rocks

• C) Correlating the age of rock layers

• D) Predicting future geological events

Which of the following organisms is most likely to be an index fossil?

• A) A species that lived for millions of years

• B) A species that was widespread but short-lived

• C) A species found only in deep ocean sediments

• D) A species that is still living today