Describe how index fossils are used to

define and identify subdivisions of the

geologic time scale
descriptions of index fossils

What are index fossils?

Index fossils are used in the formal architecture of geologic time
for defining the ages, epochs, periods, and eras of the geologic
time and for the correlation of strata. The evidence for these
events is found in the fossil record wherever there is a
disappearance of major groups of species within a geologically
short period of time. A useful index fossil must be distinctive or
easily recognizable, abundant, and have a wide geographic
distribution and a short range through time.
descriptions of index fossils
In marine strata, index fossils that are commonly used
include the single-celled Protista with hard body parts
and larger forms such as ammonoids. In terrestrial
sediments of the Cenozoic Era, which began about 65.5
million years ago, mammals are widely used to date
deposits. All of these animal forms have hard body
parts, such as shells, bones, and teeth, and evolved
rapidly.
How to identify and define
index fossils
 How are marker fossils used to define and identify
subdivisions of the geologic time scale? Index fossils (also
known as guide fossils or marker fossils) are fossils used
to define and identify geologic periods (or faunal stages).
They are essentially markers within the rocks that allow
trained geologists to quickly identify rock units, though,
the Index fossils must have a short vertical range, wide
geographic distribution and rapid evolutionary trends. The
reason fossils are used is that they are convenient
inclusions. Secondly, how is the fossil record important to
the geologic time scale?
Fossils are fundamental to the geologic
time scale. The names of most of the
eons and eras end in zoic, because these
time intervals are often recognized on
the basis of animal life. Rocks formed
during the Proterozoic Eon may have
fossils of relative simple organisms,
such as bacteria, algae, and wormlike
animals. Simply so, how do marker
fossils relate to geologic time?
“Marker Fossils” means index
fossils. The marker fossils are the
fossils which are found in the
particular time period. There is the
fix time period form evolution till
the extension. Thus, finding the
fossils of those particular time
period indicated the geological time
of deposition of the layer or strata.
Characteristics
of an index
fossils
Characteristics of index fossils
Characteristics
as mentioned from the previous slides a good index fossil is
one with four characteristics: it is distinctive, widespread,
abundant, and limited in geologic time. Because most fossil-
bearing rocks formed in the ocean, the major index fossils are
marine organisms. That being said, certain land organisms are
useful in young rocks and specific regions.
 characteristics of an excellent index fossils

Distinctive
D W Widespread

Abundant
A L limited in
geologic time
 There are some types
Types of of index fossils which
include Ammonites,
Index Brachiopods,
Graptolites,

fossils Nanofossils and

Trilobites.
 Ammonites: The fossil of ancient
marine animals is said to be
known as an ammonite index
fossil. During the Mesozoic era,
they were common (245 to 65
million years ago ). After the
Cretaceous period, they were not
found as they went extinct during
the K-T extinction ( 65 million
years ago ).
Brachiopods: They emerged 550
million years ago. It was first
founded in the Cambrian age.
These are mollusc-like marine
animals) that appeared during
the Cambrian (540 to 500 mya)
some of them still survive. They
are said to be the most common
fossils.
Graptolites: They are thin and shiny. The
markings on rock surfaces look like
pencil marks. The name Graptolites
comes from the Greek for "writing in the
rocks." These are widespread colonial
marine hemichordates. They lived during
the period of Cambrian roughly from
540 to 505 million years ago) to the early
to mid-Carboniferous (360 to 320 million
years ago). It is found in shales and
mudrocks.
 Nanofossils: These are microscopic
fossils (the remains of calcareous
nannoplankton, coccolithophores) from
various eras. Because of their
evolutionary rates, these are time-
specific. Nanofossils are very plentiful
and it is distributed widely in the areas.
There are various numbers of beneficial
nanofossils which include radiolarians &
foraminifera. To date, marine sediments
are the primary methods.
 Trilobites: During the Paleozoic
Era (540 to 245 mya); they were
common. About half of the
Paleozoic fossils are trilobites. At
the beginning of the Paleozoic
Era, they evolved whereas went
extinct during the late Permian
period i.e. 248 million years ago.
Fossils and it's types
Fossils
Fossils are any remains or evidence of prehistoric life found in the
natural environment. Historical records are generally considered to
extend about 10,000 years into the past. Therefore, fossils must be
older than this. In fact, the earliest fossils are traces of primitive life-
forms that existed on Earth very early in its history, billions of years
ago. Fossils provide critical information about the development of life
on Earth and about past environments.The study of fossils is called
paleontology and scientists who study fossils are known as
paleontologists. Fossils can be grouped into two broad categories:
body fossils and trace fossils.
Types of foSSils
Body Fossils
Among the most complete fossils are ice age elephants, known as
mammoths. These creatures were recovered from permanently frozen
ground where they have been preserved since the last ice age.
Mammoth fossils sometimes include soft parts such as hair and flesh.
Whole-body preservation is not limited to large mammals.Insects that
land on the sticky parts of pine trees may become encased in resin that
flows over their body. Amber is the hardened form of this tree resin.
 body fossils
Complete bodies of insects have been preserved
in amber that is millions of years old. However,
fossil remains of soft tissue are relatively rare.
Usually the soft parts of an organism are eaten or
decay before they can be preserved.
Types of foSSils
Traces fossils
Traces fossils are signs that living organisms were present. However,
they do not include or represent the body parts of an organism. For
example, the only dinosaur fossils found in New York State are
footprints found in the lower Hudson Valley. Worm burrows are
common in some sedimentary rocks in western New York State.
Coprolites can be described as “the only material a fossil animal
intended to leave behind.” They are, in fact, fossilized dung, or feces.
Types of foSSils
Nearby fossil beds
Where are the nearest rocks that contain fossils? Local residents, park
naturalists, or university professors may be able to help you locate fossils
nearby. You may even be able to visit this location if it is on public land or if
you have the permission of the landowner. Road cuts sometimes reveal
fossils although there may be restrictions about stopping along busy
highways. Be sure to investigate and secure any needed permission before
you visit a fossil bed or collect specimens. As an alternative, some museums
and universities have collections of fossils that you can visit.
Examples of fossils and index
fossils
examples of
index
fossils
E F
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Thank you!
Group 5

Steven Kurt Paul Ulysses Samantha Jake Lupig

Tizado Macarilay Nicole Damasco
Researcher
Researcher &
Researcher Researcher
Organizer
Group 5

Kevin Joseph Mathew

Gimpes Sarmiento
PPT creator Researcher