Where did we come from? Flashcards
State the 2 theories on the origin of life
- Panspermia
2. Biopoesis
Explain the Theory of Panspermia
Panspermia is the hypothesis that life exists throughout the universe distributed by meteoroids, asteroids and planetoids
Explain the Theory of Biopoesis
Biopoesis is the study of how biological life arises from inorganic matter through natural processes, and the method by which life on earth arose.
Define Evolution
The Gradual development of something - things changing over time
What is a fossil?
A fossil is the preserved remains of a once-living organism - evidence of their existance
What do Fossils tell us? (3)
Give clues about organisms that lived long ago. Help to show how evolution has occurred
Provide evidence about how earth’s surface has changed over time
Help understand what past environments may have been like.
How is a fossil formed?
- Sediment - Animal is buried in sediment
- Layers - Sediment accumulates and minerals slowly replace bones
- Movement - Movement in tectonic plates pushes fossils towards the surface
- Erosion - Broken sediment will be taken away and expose fossils
Identify different types of Fossils
- Petrified Fossils
- Moulds and Casts
- Carbon Films
- Trace Fossils
- Preserved Remains
What is an Index Fossil?
Easily identifiable fossils with relatively short range zones and world wide occurrences are known as index fossils.
Define Strati graphic Correlation and What it’s used for
Refers to the process of matching 2 geological phenomena in 2 or more geographically different locations based on either the type of material or the time during which the material was deposited.
Where are the Naracoorte Caves located?
Located in Naracoorte, SA
What is significant about the Naracoorte Caves?
This was the first big discovery of fossils and gave insights into the evolution of the the earth.
In 1969, a chamber full of Pleistocene invertebrate fossils was discovered
What are the Naracoorte Caves?
Is a world and National heritage site. The build up of fossils span over a 350,000 year period and provides unique evidence on the history of Australia’s flora and Fauna.
What has been discovered in the Naracoorte Caves?
Over 100 species have been discovered
Mega Fauna such as giant kangaroos have been discovered.
Only 4% of the site has been excavated
Where is Riversleigh located?
Located in Gregory River, Riversleigh
