Question

Prompt

Explain how paleontologists use trilobite fossils as index fossils for various geologic time periods.
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Answer 1

Trilobites were a widespread group of organisms that only existed during the Paleozoic era. Individual species evolved and went extinct during distinct time periods of this era, allowing for more precise geologic dating. In addition, trilobites were fairly large and hard-bodied, leaving abundant and easily identifiable fossils. These advantages make them one of the most useful index fossils available to scientists.
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Answer 2

Trilobites were one of the best examples of index fossils because they were present for a relatively shorter period of time and were widely distributed. They were found to be existed only in the Paleozoic era.

The trilobites were efficient in dating rocks in which they were found to be embedded. I helped in determining the age of the rocks. They also provided sufficient data regarding the early climate and the food habitat of these organisms in the past. Thus, these data enabled the Paleontologists to reconstruct the paleoclimate.

These fossils also helped in the correlation of rocks, thereby helping in the field of biostratigraphy