A layer of shale that contains a distinctive fossil could be used as a ________.
A)geologic contact
B)marker bed
C)stratigraphic sequence
D)depositional contact

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A marker bed is a layer of rock that has a distinctive feature (such as a unique fossil or mineral) and can be used to correlate and date other rock layers in the area. In this case, the layer of shale containing a distinctive fossil can act as a marker bed. Geologic contacts refer to the boundary between two different rock formations or units, while stratigraphic sequences refer to the overall arrangement and layering of rock formations in a given area. Depositional contacts refer to the boundary between layers of sediment that have different depositional environments. While all of these concepts are related to the study of stratigraphy and geological history, only B specifically applies to a layer of shale with a distinctive fossil.

A Layer of Shale That Contains a Distinctive Fossil Could