Sedimentary Rock Layers and Fossils

Mr. Lundy introduces sedimentary rocks, explaining their formation and the laws of horizontality and superposition. He demonstrates how to identify rock layers and discusses the significance of index fossils. The video also covers how to correlate rock layers across different locations using index fossils, aiding in relative age dating.

What is the primary purpose of setting up mock sedimentary rock layer stations in the backyard?

• To show the formation of igneous rocks

• To illustrate how to correlate rock layers

• To demonstrate the process of fossilization

• To explain the water cycle

According to the law of superposition, where would you find the oldest sedimentary rock layer?

• At the bottom of the stack

• Randomly distributed

• In the middle of the stack

• At the top of the stack

Which law states that sedimentary rock layers are deposited in horizontal layers?

• Law of Horizontality

• Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships

• Law of Fossil Succession

• Law of Superposition

Which type of sedimentary rock is typically formed in deep, calm water environments?

• Granite

• Shale

• Limestone

• Sandstone

What does the presence of limestone in a rock layer suggest about its past environment?

• It was a desert

• It was a coral reef environment

• It was a volcanic area

• It was a forest

What does the presence of sandstone in a rock layer indicate about its depositional environment?

• It was a deep ocean

• It was a mountain range

• It was a beach or desert

• It was a forest

What is a key characteristic of a good index fossil?

• It existed for a short period and is found worldwide

• It is found in only one location

• It is found only in deep water environments

• It appears in multiple layers vertically

Why is the letter 'W' not considered a good index fossil in the demonstration?

• It is only found in one location

• It is found in all three locations

• It appears in multiple layers vertically

• It is not found in any location

How can geologists use index fossils to determine the relative age of rock layers?

• By finding fossils in only one location

• By identifying fossils that appear in multiple layers

• By measuring the thickness of the rock layers

• By correlating layers with the same index fossil across different locations

Which letter represents the best index fossil in the demonstration?

• X

• O

• Z

• W