What do geologists use index fossils for? a. dating of rock layers b. identifying the type of rock in a rock layer c. providing evidence of climate change d. tracking migration of prehistoric species

Geologists use index fossils for dating of rock layers

Geologists use index fossils to determine the age of rocks. Index fossils are also known as key fossils; they define dating of rock layers.

Some of the characteristics of fossil index include:

Index fossils are defined as “commonly found” because they are widespread but limited in a period of time. If an index fossil is found in a particular layer, the layer will determine the age of the layer, therefore with the use of index fossils, one can easily define the geological periods. In many cases, the geological periods can last as far as tens of millions of years.

Index fossils have a very short life span, therefore the age at which they are found defines their age. They are used to determine the period and eras of the geological time scale.

Geological time scale is also known as GTS, it refers to a system of dating which relates stratigraphy to time. Geological time scale is used by Geologists to determine the period and the relationship of events that have taken place in the history of the earth.

Therefore, Geologists use index fossils for dating of rock layers

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