Activity Relative Age, Rock Layers, and Index Fossils
Problem: How do we date rock layers and how do index fossils help?
Procedures:
1. Go to Science websites and select “Relative Age” or go to the website
www.phschool.com and enter the code cfp-2042.
2. Read introduction by using scroll knob.
Part One: Choose “Rock Layer Formation” and use the play button and read.
1. Age A: What is Relative Age?
2. Age B: What is the law of superposition?
3. Age C: What are Index Fossils?
4. Age D: What is the geologic record?
Part Two: Choose “Identify Rock Layers” and Read.
5. Index fossils are fossils that are _______________________________________
And represent a type of organism that existed ___________________________ .
6. Each index fossil occurs in only one layer and in more than one location. Which
two are index fossils? ____________________________________________ .
7. Click on Age and match rock layers. Which layers show unconformities?
8. Which geologic process caused some of the layers to disappear?
Part Three: Take the Self Test
9. According to the law of superposition, in horizontal sedimentary rock layers, the
oldest rock layers are __________________________________________.
10. In the picture above, which rock layer is the oldest? _________________ .
11. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of index fossils?