Fossil Record Flashcards
uniformitarianism
the principle or assumption that the same natural laws and processes that operate in the universe now have always operated in the universe in the past and apply everywhere in the universe.
catastrophism
the theory that the Earth has been affected in the past by sudden, short-lived, violent events, possibly worldwide in scope.
paleontology
a rich field, imbued with a long and interesting past and an even more intriguing and hopeful future
relative dating
the science of determining the relative order of past events (i.e., the age of an object in comparison to another), without necessarily determining their absolute age, (i.e. estimated age)
absolute dating
the process of determining an age on a specified time scale in archaeology and geology. Some scientists prefer the terms chronometric or calendar dating, as use of the word “absolute” implies an unwarranted certainty and precision.
superposition
a principle of quantum theory that describes a challenging concept about the nature and behavior of matter and forces at the sub-atomic level.
isotope
atom of a given element may have a wide range in its number of neutrons
radioactive decay
known as nuclear decay or radioactivity, is the process by which a nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation
half-life
the time taken for the radioactivity of a specified isotope to fall to half its original value.
fossil
the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock.
trace fossil
provide us with indirect evidence of life in the past, such as the footprints, tracks, burrows, borings, and feces left behind by animals, rather than the preserved remains of the body of the actual animal itself
mold
a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. In contrast, fungi that can adopt a single-celled growth habit are called yeasts
cast
throw (something) forcefully in a specified direction.
unconformity
a surface of contact between two groups of unconformable strata.
Mass extinction
a widespread and rapid decrease in the amount of life on Earth