Geological Time Periods: Fossils and Discoveries

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What are fossils and how are they formed?

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, formed through processes like permineralization or being trapped in amber.

How do fossils contribute to understanding geological time periods?

Fossils help scientists date rocks and understand the evolution and extinction of life over geological time periods.

What is a 'living fossil' and can you give an example?

A living fossil is a species that has remained unchanged over large geological time scales; an example is the coelacanth fish.

What significant discovery is associated with the Cenozoic Era?

The discovery of early human fossils, such as those of Australopithecus, is significant to the Cenozoic Era.

How can carbon dating be used in paleontology?

Carbon dating measures the decay of carbon-14 to estimate the age of organic materials found in fossils.

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