0
Index fossils help scientists figure out the plants and animals that were alive in a certain time period. There are different types of index fossils that are used for different amounts of time.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoindex fossil are characterized by certain attributes ranging from.
.should be fast evolving
.should be geographically widespread
.they should be abundant
should be independent their environment.
should be readily preserved.
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoIt must be distinct from other organisms.
It must have lived in a very wide geographic region
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe four characteristics of a good index fossil are:
- it is distinctive
- it is widespread
- it is abundant
- it is limited in geologic time
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why did scientists use trilobites as index fossils?
Trilobites were rapidly evolving and widespread organisms, making them ideal index fossils.
What are the three criteria that must be met in order for a fossil to be considered an index fossil?
An index fossil is organisms that is a signature for certain geographical eras. Index fossils are a charting of time that is used to describe other organisms found in that time era. The fossils were found in the stones that are determinations by carbon indexing and therefore are index fossils.
What 3 requirements do index fossils have?
To be an index fossil, it must be widespread, commonly found (sometimes in groups) and have a short life span for which it lived. If a fossil meets all three of these requirements, it is considered an index fossil.
Are trilobites used as index fossils?
because they changed slowly through time(:
Index fossils during triassic period?
Tropites subbullatusMonotis subcircularis
Why are trilobite consider index fossils?
they were index fossils because they were found everywhere, had distinct characteristics, and lived for a short period of time.
3 characteristics that are necessary to be considered a index fossils?
the parts are a match, but don't look the same . the background is not of poor record, and the traditional test methods are used
Fossil used to compare the relative ages of fossils?
index 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.
Why are index fossils more useful then other fossils to paleontologist?
It is because the index fossils has better minds than the paleontologist.
What are index fossil and how are they used to determined 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.
Which are the remains of species that existed on Earth for relatively short periods of time were abundant and were wide spread geographically?
They are called index fossils, an aid to relative dating of rock.
What is fossils organisms that lived a short period of time called?
They are called index fossils.
What fossil used to compare the relative ages of fossils?
An index fossil. An index fossil's age is known, allowing scientists to know the relative age of other fossils based on their position relative to the index fossil. (Ex. If a fossil is deeper in the earth, it is older than the index fossil)
Why did scientists use trilobites as index fossils?
Trilobites were rapidly evolving and widespread organisms, making them ideal index fossils.
What fossils are useful in determining the relative age of rocks?
Index fossils
