What is the primary use of index fossils?

• To determine the exact age of rock layers

• To identify the type of rock layers

• To determine the relative age of rock layers and fossils

• To find the location of rock layers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good index fossil?

• Lived a short period of time

• Found in many rock layers

• Found over a wide area

• Unique enough to be identified

Why is an ammonite considered a good index fossil?

• It is found in many rock layers

• It is difficult to identify

• It lived for a long period of time

• It lived a short period of time and is found in many locations

How do index fossils help in estimating the age of rock layers?

• By giving a range of the approximate or relative age

• By providing the exact age of the rock layers

• By determining the location of the rock layers

• By identifying the type of rock layers

What is the significance of finding a trilobite fossil in rock layers?

• It indicates the rock layers are exactly 65 million years old

• It helps in determining the relative age of the rock layers

• It shows the rock layers are from the age of the dinosaurs

• It means the rock layers are found only in one area

Why is a gastropod considered a poor index fossil?

• It is found in many locations

• It is unique enough to be identified

• It is found in many rock layers

• It lived a short period of time

Which of the following is a good example of an index fossil?

• Shale

• Ammonite

• Fish

• Gastropod

What can be inferred if an ammonite fossil is found in a rock layer?

• The rock layer is approximately 65 million years old

• The rock layer is exactly 100 million years old

• The rock layer is found only in one location

• The rock layer is from the age of the trilobites

How does the law of superposition help in determining the relative age of fossils?

• By identifying the type of fossils

• By providing the exact age of the fossils

• By comparing the order of rock layers

• By determining the location of the fossils

Why is determining the relative age of fossils often more useful than determining their absolute age?

• Absolute age is difficult to determine

• Relative age allows comparison between different rock layers and fossils

• Absolute age is not as accurate

• Relative age provides a more precise age

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5