Match each paleontological concept or fossil record discovery listed in Column A with its corresponding geological or evolutionary significance in Column B.
- Archaeopteryx lithographicaServes as a transitional fossil possessing both avian features (feathers) and reptilian features (teeth and bony tail).
- Index FossilsWidespread organisms with short geological lifespans used to identify and correlate relative ages of rock strata.
- Potassium-40 () DecayEnables absolute chronological dating of ancient igneous rocks and old volcanic strata using isotope half-lives.
- Law of SuperpositionEstablishes relative age sequence by asserting that deeper, undisturbed sedimentary layers are older than upper layers.
Answer
Archaeopteryx lithographica matches with its role as a transitional fossil between reptiles and birds; Index Fossils match with widespread organisms used to correlate relative ages of strata; Potassium-40 decay matches with absolute radiometric dating of ancient rocks; and the Law of Superposition matches with the stratigraphic principle that deeper undisturbed rock layers are older.
Each concept accurately pairs with its definition or significance in evolutionary biology: Archaeopteryx represents transitional link evidence; index fossils pinpoint relative rock layer age due to brief existence and wide distribution; Potassium-40 radioactive decay permits absolute numeric dating of old geological formations; and the Law of Superposition governs relative layer age based on sedimentary deposition.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Paleontological Evidence and Stratigraphic Dating Techniques