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Definition
| The technique of establishing a chronology of events arranged in relative sequential order |
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Definition
| The technique of establishing when events occurred according to how much time has elapsed since their occurrence. Geologic time that has elapsed is measured in thousands, millions, or billions of years. (Counting tree rings or ice layers or analyzing radioactive isotopes) |
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| The study of layered rocks, including their compositions, origins, geometric relationships, and ages. |
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| Matching of strata in one location to another. |
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| Stratigraphic correlation on the basis of rock type. |
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| The fundamental unit of lithostratigraphy. It has a definable top/bottom, and is mappable across geographic space. |
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| Zoning of stratigraphic layers and arrangement of those layers according to relative time and deposition, using the ranges of fossils. |
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| A stratigraphic interval defined by its fossil content and usually given the name of a characteristic fossil present in that interval. Also known as a zone. |
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Definition
| Correlation of strata using ratios of chemical isotopes. |
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| A positive or negative shift in the isotopic ratio of an element, as recorded through a succession of stratigraphic layers. |
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| Correlation of strata on the basis of erosion surfaces that separate packages of sediments or sedimentary rocks called sequences (depositional sequences) |
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| A surface of erosion or nondeposition. |
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| An unconformity in which strata below and above the erosion surface are parallel. |
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| A relatively conformable package of sedimentary strata that is bounded below and above by unconformities or their equivalent conformities. Also known as depositional sequence. |
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Definition
| A chronology of Earth history |
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| Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point, an internationally ratified point in strata marking the boundary between two time-rock (chronostratigraphic or time stratigraphic) units and their equivalent time units. |
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Definition
| A time-rock or time stratigraphic unit; the tangible representation of a geologic time (geochronologic) unit. |
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| The fundamental unit of Chronostratigraphy. |
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| The unit of geologic time equivalent to a system. |
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Definition
| -in a radioactive decay series. An unstable isotope that decays, or transforms, into a daughter product. |
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Definition
| An isotope formed from the radioactive decay of a parent isotope. |
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Definition
| a group of organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring |
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Definition
| A technique of identifying organisms using a two-part Latin name, a genus name followed by a species name. The Latin names are set off from ordinary text by italics or underlining. |
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| biological species concept |
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Definition
| The concept that members of a species can breed and produce fertile offspring, and that members of a single species are distinguished from other species by reproductive isolation. |
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Term
| paleontological species concept |
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Definition
| The concept that the limits of ancient species may be inferred from their preserved physical traits. |
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Definition
| An organism that lacks a nucleated cell type. |
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Definition
| An organism that has a nucleated cell type. |
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Definition
| Synthesis of organic molecules using chemical energy released through oxidation of inorganic compounds. |
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Definition
| The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria create organic molecules from carbon dioxide and water using energy from sunlight. |
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Definition
| The process of "self feeding" by means of either harvesting light energy from the sun or oxidation of inorganic compounds to make organic molecules. |
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Definition
| A condition in which two or more dissimilar organisms live together in close association. |
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Definition
| A means of obtaining nutrients by ingesting or breaking down organic matter. |
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Definition
| Study of the factors controlling the distribution and abundance of ancient species. |
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Definition
| A graph indicating the proportion of Earth's surface above and below sea level. |
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Definition
| Any evidence of ancient life. |
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| Direct or altered remains of an ancient organism. |
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| Evidence of the activity of an ancient organism. Also called an ichnofossil. |
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Definition
| An organic compound that serves as a "fingerprint" to a type of organism. |
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| Study of the processes of fossilization. |
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