List_of_index_fossils

List of index fossils

List of index fossils

Fossils used to define and identity geologic periods

Index fossils (also known as guide fossils or indicator fossils) are fossils used to define and identify geologic periods (or faunal stages). Index fossils must have a short vertical range, wide geographic distribution and rapid evolutionary trends. Another term, Zone fossil is used when the fossil have all the characters stated above except wide geographical distribution, they are limited to a zone and can't be used for correlations of strata.

More information Fossil, Scientific Name ...
Examples of index fossils[1]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Index Fossils, from the US Geological Survey. Updated July 31, 1997.
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