Match each paleontological evidence or dating principle in Column A with its correct geological or evolutionary significance in Column B.
- Archaeopteryx lithographicaProvides evidence of a transitional link showing features of both reptilian ancestral stock and modern birds.
- Index fossilAllows relative dating of rock strata because the organism was geographically widespread but existed for a brief geological time span.
- Law of SuperpositionEstablishes that in undisturbed sedimentary rock sequences, deeper layers contain older fossils than upper layers.
- Radioactive decay half-lifeEnables absolute numerical dating of rock formations by measuring constant radio-isotope degradation rates.
Answer
Archaeopteryx lithographica matches with transitional link features between reptiles and birds; Index fossil matches with relative dating via widespread organisms of short geological lifespan; Law of Superposition matches with deeper layers containing older fossils in undisturbed strata; Radioactive decay half-life matches with absolute numerical dating based on isotopic decay.
Each paleontological term correctly matches its corresponding geological or evolutionary mechanism: Archaeopteryx demonstrates transitional evolution between reptiles and birds, index fossils serve as short-duration marker organisms across strata, the Law of Superposition determines relative age by depth order in undisturbed rocks, and half-life radioactive decay determines absolute numerical chronological age.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Key paleontological concepts including transitional fossils, index fossils, stratigraphy, and radiometric dating techniques.