* It is a fossil of a species that was found within a limited geographical area
* It is a fossil of a species that existed over a long geological time period.
* It is a fossil of a species that is easily identified and had readily preserved body parts.
* It is a fossil of a very rare species.
2007-09-04 04:36:25 · 4 answers · asked by Mari 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
The best index fossils are common, easy-to-identify at species level, and have a broad distribution— i have searched it in wikipedia...
so the answer is the third one..
2007-09-04 05:48:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a fossil of a species that is easily identified and had readily preserved body parts.
To be good as an index fossil, it is important that it does not extend over a long geological time period. If it exists over a short time period, it can be used to date a particular formation. If it is limited in area, it won't be useful except in that limited area.
2007-09-04 12:22:54 · answer #2 · answered by JimZ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Index fossils are those that are abundant and are found over a large geographical area for a short geologic time. Out of your list the only one that makes sense is the third one, which may be a characteristic of an index fossil.
2007-09-04 11:43:48 · answer #3 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The answer is B. It is a fossil of a species that existed over a long geological time period.
2007-09-04 11:42:35 · answer #4 · answered by Thomas N 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋