That's its absolute age. But we might be able to determine a fossil's relative age. For example, we can use superposition to infer that a fossil is younger than the fossils found below it. The remains of some species that lived for a short time are so widespread and wellknown that they help geologists determine other dates, too. These are known as index fossils. Brachiopods are an index fossil. They first appeared during the Cambrian Period. When geologists find a brachiopod fossil in a layer of rock, they can correlate other fossils found in the strata. Based on the passage, brachiopods are an index fossil because they are A older than most other fossils. B extremely hard to find. C abundant and recognizable. D never found near other fossils Cowrinin awswers BACK
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C abundant and recognizable. Index fossils, like brachiopods, are particularly valuable in geology because they are both widespread and easily identifiable. Since they existed for a relatively brief period in geological time, finding brachiopod fossils in various locations helps geologists pinpoint the age of different rock layers. This ability to correlate fossils across different geographical areas makes them key players in relative dating! So next time you're walking through an old rock formation, keep an eye out for the brachiopods! Connecting the dots of Earth's ancient life can feel like solving a mystery with every fossil discovered.