Page 35 - Introduction to Paleobiology and The Fossil Record

Chapter 2

Fossils in time and space

Key points

• Scientists began to study the order and sequence of geological events during the Renais-
sance when artists rediscovered perspective.
• Lithostratigraphy is the establishment of rock units, forming the basis for virtually all
geological studies; lithostratigraphic units are displayed on maps and measured
sections.
• Biostratigraphy, using zone fossils, forms the basis for correlation and it can now be
investigated using a range of quantitative techniques.
• Chronostratigraphy, global standard stratigraphy, is the division of geological time into
workable intervals with reference to type sections in the fi eld.
• Cyclostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy can provide more refi ned frameworks that
can also help understand biological change.
• Geochronometry is based on absolute time, measured in years before present by a range
of modern, quantitative techniques.
• Paleobiogeography provides basic data to suggest and test plate tectonic and terrane
models.

• Changes in geography allowed faunas and floras to migrate, and major groups to radiate
and go extinct.
• The rhythmic joining and break up of continents through time has been associated with
climate and diversity change.

• Fossils from mountain belts are significant in constraining the age and origin of tectonic

events; fossil data have also provided estimates for finite strain and thermal
maturation.