fossils 2.1

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the 'Introduction to Fossils' lecture focused on graptolites and biostratigraphy.

Graptolites

Fossils from the subclass Graptolithina, primarily existing from the mid-Cambrian to Carboniferous, and belonging to the Phylum Hemichordata.

Biostratigraphy

A branch of stratigraphy that uses fossil distributions to establish relative age and correlations between rock layers.

Sicula

The first part of the skeleton to form in graptolite colonies, often resembling a juvenile cup.

Thecae

Tubes in which individual zooids of a graptolite colony are housed.

Rhabdosome

The whole colony structure of graptolites.

Stipe

A branch of the rhabdosome in a graptolite colony.

Benthic

Organisms that live on or near the bottom of a water body.

Pelagic

Organisms that live in the open sea or ocean, away from the bottom.

Acme biozone

A time period represented by the exceptional abundance of a species.

Gap analysis

An assessment of ranges of species to determine temporal overlaps and occurrences.

Living fossils

Modern species that closely resemble ancient extinct species or have persisted for long geological periods.