Index Fossil Definition Archaeology. Index fossils serve as a relative dating marker for geologic time periods and the rocks formed at those times. Index fossil used as a noun is very rare.
Index fossil used as a noun is very rare. Index fossil, any animal or plant preserved in the rock record of the earth that is characteristic of a particular span of geologic time or environment. Some scientists prefer the terms chronometric or calendar dating, as use of the word absolute implies an unwarranted certainty and precision.
Index fossil synonyms or related terms:
Trace fossil examples include tracks and trails, borings and burrows, gastroliths and coprolites and, rarely, imprints of skin, fur or feathers. Interpreting trace fossils can be very challenging. Did i find a fossil or an artifact? A useful index fossil must be distinctive or easily recognizable, abundant, and have a wide geographic distribution and a short range through time.