ANTH 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Radiocarbon Dating, Fluorine, Foraminifera
Document Summary
Chapter 7: fossils and their place in time and nature. What are fossils: fossils = remains of organisms that have been wholly or partially transformed into rock through a long process of chemical replacement. Sedimentary rock = rock formed when the deposition of sediments creates distinct layers or strata: fossils most commonly found in sedimentary rock. Fossilization also happens when remains buried in volcanic ash. Time in perspective: without a chronological sequence there is no fossil record. Steno"s law of superposition = the principle that the lower stratum or layer, the older it age; the oldest layers are at the bottom, and the youngest layers are at the top. Chemistry of animal remains and ancient soils: windows onto diets and habitats: c-3 plants = plants that take in carbon through c 3 photosynthesis, which changes carbon dioxide into a compound having three carbon atoms.
