Definition

The study of fossils in rock layers to understand their age and distribution over time.

Example

Biostratigraphy helps geologists date rock layers by analyzing the fossils they contain.

Conversation

I just read an interesting article about biostratigraphy in geology class.

Oh really? What did it say about it?

It explained how it helps date rock layers using fossils.

That sounds cool! I never knew fossils could tell us so much about the past.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Biostratigraphy → It is formed from "bio-" (from Greek "bios", meaning life) and "stratigraphy" (from Latin "stratum", meaning layer, and Greek "grapho", meaning to write). The word refers to the study of rock layers (strata) and the fossils contained within them to understand the history of life on Earth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'life' ('bio-') being studied through 'layers' ('stratum') of rocks — that's what biostratigraphy means.

Visually Confused Words