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Rock is divided into layers (strata). Each stratum (layer) is different from the other, containing differences between them, and this is essential to determine what era does each belong to. For example, one strata could be rich in sea life fossils like mollusks and arthropods, thus one could roughly estimate the layer to belong to the Middle Cambrian period. A stratum rich in leaf and plant fossils, on the other hand, would suggest it to belong to the Devonian period. There's a science that studies strata, and that's stratigraphy. I am obviously explaining this in a very simple way, as there are many other factors to consider, but this is the essential.
What else can I help you with?
Why are index Fossil helpful for performing relative dating?
Because they give us the best estimate of how old all the other fossils are in that sedimentary layer.
What do scientists use to mark boundaries in the geologic time scale?
I'm thinking it's index fossils because index fossils tell when or how old the layer it was found in. If that's what your asking.
A type of trilobite is used as an index fossil. These fossils were made about 540 million years ago. A scientist finds a trilobite fossil in layer 5 in the diagram below?
Whats the answer everyone?
Would research be amazed to find a 400 million years old fossil of a fish?
yes, becasue it shows how old the fossil really is and the form and shape of it
What are the four characteristics of an index fossil?
Universal ( indicating a global flood) Uniform (sea-life tends to be on the bottom, followed by amphibians, reptiles, mammals & few men, indicating a global flood) Distinct species (no gradual evolution) Preservation of soft structures, no intermediate earth layer and trans-strata trees- showing rapid deposition
Would a shark tooth make a good index fossil Why or Why not?
It depends on how old the tooth is,but other than that,unless it's a rare shark,it wouldn't make a very good index fossil.
How can index fossils be used to date rock?
Because if you know how old the fossil is, and you find the fossil inside a rock, you know that rock has a maxium age corresponding with the age of the fossil.
What is the name for a very old fossil in sedimentary rocks?
A very old fossil in sedimentary rocks is called a "trace fossil" or "index fossil." These fossils provide valuable information about past life forms and help scientists understand Earth's history.
How do you identify a index fossil?
By using relative age. Over a long period of time, sediment will, layer by layer, coat and cover the fossil, making it difficult for paleontologists and scientists to figure out how old the fossil really is.
Why are index Fossil helpful for performing relative dating?
Because they give us the best estimate of how old all the other fossils are in that sedimentary layer.
Can fossils be used as index fossils?
Yes, index fossils are special fossils that act as geological tools enabling comparison in time of a range of geological units and environment. Normally, they are selected using certain attributes such as the fossil should be widespread, abundant, fast evolving, and independent of their environment.
How do archeologists learn about the past?
They take an estimate on how old the fossil, artifact is then they examine it to tell where the artifact was made, if it is a fossil then tell what ancient creature it is then they can tell what era that creature was from. If it is an unknown fossil they give it a name, but the only way to learn about the past is to decipher hieroglyphics or examine and try to tell what the story on the walls inside the tombs, pyramids, and ancient monuments. I hope you like this answer. :)
What do scientists use to mark boundaries in the geologic time scale?
I'm thinking it's index fossils because index fossils tell when or how old the layer it was found in. If that's what your asking.
How old is the fossil?
The oldest fossil found on earth is 3.5 billion years old
What Pokemon is old amber in diamond?
Helix Fossil - Omanyte Dome Fossil - Kabuto Old Amber - Aerodactyl Root Fossil - Lileep Claw Fossil - Anorith Skull Fossil - Cranidos Armor Fossil - Shieldon -------------------------------------------
How do you revive a fossil in Pokemon White?
You have to take a fossil to Nacrene City Museum. The lady at the entrance will tell you that if you have any pokemon fossils, she can revive them for you. Give the fossils to her, leave the museum run around a bit, come back and she will give you what ever is in the fossil you got. Dome Fossil - Kabuto Helix Fossil - Omanyte Old Amber - Aerodactyl Claw Fossil - Anorith Skull Fossil - Craniados Shield Fossil - Shieldon Cover Fossil - Tirtouga Plume Fossil - Archen
How can scientists understand what the relevant age of a fossil is?
There are layers of earth that are deposited over time and based on where a fossil is in the layers a scientist can understand what the age of the fossil is relevant to another fossil in a different layer of earth. The law of superposition says that new sediment is deposited on top of old sediment so, the sediment in the bottom layer is the oldest and the sediment at the top is the youngest. Because of this the fossils in the bottom layer are the oldest and the fossils near the top are the youngest. Say you have 10 layers of rock, and the top layer is number 1 (the youngest) and the bottom layer is number 10 (the oldest). Even if a scientist can't tell exactly how old a fossil is if they know it is in a layer deeper than another fossil they know it is older than that fossil so, a fossil from layer 9 is older than a fossil from layer 5 which is also older than a fossil from layer 3. This is relative age. If we take it a step further... If a scientist knows that the fossil in layer 4 is 65 million years old than we not only know the fossils in layer 5-10 are older than the one in layer 4, but that they are all older than 65 million years old. So, the fossils in layer 1-3 would be less than 65 million years old. Scientists can know how old a specific fossil is sometimes based on whether or not it is an index fossil (a fossil that only occurred during a very small, specific interval of time), or if it is possible to carbon date it or something in the same layer.
