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How does the position of fossils in layers show evolutionary changes?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Assuming the layers aren't deformed, the lowest deposition layers are the earliest. Later deposition layers accumulate on top of the earlier layers. Thus, the lowest layers have the earliest fossils, and the highest layers have newer fossils. By comparing the features of early and late fossils of a species, you can determine some of its evolutionary changes. Of course, not all features survive in a fossil - soft tissues, for example.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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How do scientists date fossils and artifacts?
Dating fossils and artifacts are easy. Scientist can look and tell how old the fossils by how many layers is under it.
Fossils that appear all over the world in certain rock layers are what?
Index fossils :)
What are index fossils and how are they used to determine the absolute age of sedimentary rocks?
Index fossils can be used to help determine the relative age of rock layers. Index fossils are from species that only existed for a short time. Index fossils are found in rock layers. Trilobites and Graptolites are index fossils.
What fossils are helpful to geologist because they reveal the relative ages of the rock layers in which they occur?
Those types of fossils are called index fossils.
If the same types of fossils are found in two separate rock layers it's likely that the two rock layers form what?
If the same types of fossils are found in two separate rock layers, it is likely that the two rock layers are part of one continuous deposit.
Why are more recently deposited rock layers more likely to contain fossils resemble existing species than older rock layers?
The more recent rock layers will contain fossils that are more similar to current species because of evolution. The older the fossils, the more evolutionary changes will exist between them and current species which accounts for the greater differences.
How did geologists determine the divisions of the geologic time scale?
Mainly abrupt changes in mineral layers or the fossils in them.
How do scientists date fossils and artifacts?
Dating fossils and artifacts are easy. Scientist can look and tell how old the fossils by how many layers is under it.
Are older fossils found in higher layers of earth or lower layers?
lower0000
Fossils that appear all over the world in certain rock layers are what?
Index fossils :)
What is the fossil record?
The fossil record is basically the totality of fossils, discovered or undiscovered, and their placement within rock formations and sedimentary layers. The fossil record is important in helping us produce a chronology for the history of life on Earth as well as the evolutionary relationships between the organisms represented by the fossils. The number of fossils we have discovered remains incomplete, which is why we are continuously searching for more.
How did Lyell's description of the principle of uniformitarianism help Darwin understand his geologic observations?
Darwin recognized that he evidence of ancient changes he was seeing were probably similar to Earth changes he was witnessing during his time period. Layers of silt covered marine fossils, earthquakes caused changes in the geologic formations, and volcanoes covered land formations and fossils.
What are index fossils and how are they used to determine the absolute age of sedimentary rock?
Index fossils can be used to help determine the relative age of rock layers. Index fossils are from species that only existed for a short time. Index fossils are found in rock layers. Trilobites and Graptolites are index fossils.
What are index fossils and how are they used to determine the absolute age of sedimentary rocks?
Index fossils can be used to help determine the relative age of rock layers. Index fossils are from species that only existed for a short time. Index fossils are found in rock layers. Trilobites and Graptolites are index fossils.
What type of rocks form in layers and have fossils in them?
sedimentary
Why are index fossils useful for figure out the age of a set of disturbed rock layers?
index fossils are useful for figuring out the age of a set of disturbed rock layers by index fossils are used to determine when rock layers were formed so if they were used to figure out the age of a set of disturbed rock layers than they can also figure out when they were formed .
Where can you find the oldest fossils in sedimentary rock layers?
It would be found in the lower layers, rather that younger fossils which are found in the upper layers. ♥
