The fossil record and relative and absolute dating techniques

What this note covers

1. The fossil record is informative but incomplete
2. Fossilisation and discovery create sampling bias
3. Stratigraphy establishes relative order
4. Index fossils correlate separated layers
5. Radiocarbon dates recent organic material
6. Potassium-argon and combined evidence extend the timeline

6 sections · 10 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes