What is an index fossil?(1 point)
Responses
a fossil of a footprint or other trace made by an organism
a fossil in igneous rock
a fossil of an organism from a species that did not live for very long
a fossil left during a mass extinction event
The correct answer is "a fossil of an organism from a species that did not live for very long." An index fossil is a fossil that is used to identify and date the age of a rock layer or geologic time period. Index fossils are typically from species that existed for a relatively short period of time and were widespread geographically. This makes them useful for correlating and dating rock layers in different areas.
To find the answer, you can use a variety of sources. One option is to consult a reputable scientific textbook or reference material on paleontology or geology. These sources often explain the concept of index fossils and provide examples.
Additionally, you can use online resources such as educational websites or databases that specialize in paleontology. Many of these websites provide detailed information on index fossils, how they are used, and examples of different index fossil species.
By using reliable sources, you can obtain accurate information and a deeper understanding of what index fossils are and how they contribute to determining the age of rocks and geological events.