Question

What are the characteristics of an ideal index fossil species?

Answer 1

The ideal characteristics of an index fossil include a wide distribution, a short point in time, and being easily identified.

An index fossil is one which can be referenced to see certain points in time. For example, if you were to find a certain index fossil in a rock, you would know about when the rock was created and when other fossils in the rock existed.

Therefore, we can see the characteristics-

A wide distribution makes it a very universal and broad index fossil, capable of being used in many places.

A short point in time makes it so when one is found, a closer approximate time frame can be discovered that is much more accurate.

Being easily identified makes it so it won't get confused with anything else and will be able to be used as an index fossil with high accuracy.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Check explanation

Explanation:

BASIC TERMS:

(1). FOSSILS: fossil is the remains of plants or animals.

(2). INDEX FOSSILS: Index fossils is a kind of fossil that is used for dating the strata in which it is found. They are remains of plants or animals that lived for a short period of time.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL INDEX FOSSILS include;

====>An ideal index fossils should be found abundantly on earth.

====> An ideal index fossils should no be able to decay.

====> An ideal index fossils, (according to the definition above) must be short lived.........................

=====> An ideal index fossils should be distinctive.