Match each paleontological concept or fossil specimen on the left with its corresponding evolutionary significance or application on the right.
- Archaeopteryx fossilServes as a transitional form displaying both reptilian skeletal traits and avian feathers.
- Seymouria fossilRepresents an intermediate evolutionary link between early amphibians and true reptiles.
- Index fossilsEnables relative dating and biostratigraphic correlation of sedimentary rock layers.
- Radiometric decay analysisDetermines the absolute numerical age of geological strata based on radioisotope decay rates.
Answer
Archaeopteryx pairs with the reptile-bird transitional form; Seymouria pairs with the amphibian-reptile transition; Index fossils pair with relative dating of sedimentary strata; Radiometric decay analysis pairs with absolute numerical age determination.
The correct pairing aligns each paleontological tool or fossil specimen with its precise evolutionary role: Archaeopteryx links reptiles to birds, Seymouria connects amphibians to reptiles, index fossils facilitate relative rock layer correlation, and radiometric decay yields exact absolute ages.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Transitional fossil evidence and geological methods for dating rock strata