rock and fossil record Flashcards

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1
Q

uniformitarianism

A

a principle that states that geologic processes that occurred in the past can be explained by current geologic processes.

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2
Q

catastrophism

A

a principle that states that geologic change occurs suddenly.

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3
Q

paleontology

A

the scientific study of fossils.

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4
Q

relative

A

any method of determining whether an event or object is older or younger than other events or objects.

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5
Q

superposition

A

a principle that states that younger rocks lie above older rocks if the layers have not been disturbed.

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6
Q

unconformity

A

a break in the geologic record created when rock layers are eroded or when sediment is not deposited for a long period of time.

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7
Q

absolute dating

A

any method of measuring the age of an event or object in years.

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8
Q

isotope

A

Isotopes are two or more types of atoms that have the same atomic number and position in the periodic table, and that differ in nucleon numbers due to different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.

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9
Q

radioactive decay

A

when an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.

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10
Q

half life

A

the amount of time it takes for one-half of the radioactive isotope to decay.

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11
Q

fossil

A

the preserved remains, or traces of remains, of ancient organisms.

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12
Q

trace fossil

A

a fossilized mark that formed iin soft sediment by the moment of an animal

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13
Q

mold

A

a mark or cavity made in a sedimentary surface by a shell or other body.

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