V. Fossils and relative dating

A. Geologic Time Scale (fig. 17.1)

B.  Fossil formation (fig. 18.3)

  1. preserve original material
    1. freeze
    2. dessicate
    3. amber
    4. tar
  2. traditional fossils
    1. replacement
    2. permineralization - fill pores
    3. molds/casts
    4. carbonization
  3. trace fossils
    1. tracks
    2. burrows
    3. coprolites
    4. gastroliths
C. Fossil succession (fig. 18.18)
  1. age range
  2. index fossils
    1. short age range
    2. easily recognized
    3. widespread distsribution
  3. fossil assemblage
 
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