What is another word for index fossils?
Pronunciation: [ˈɪndɛks fˈɒsə͡lz] (IPA) 
Index fossils are fossils that are used by paleontologists to date rocks and establish the relative ages of different geological strata. These fossils are typically abundant, distributed widely, and characterize specific time periods. Synonyms for index fossils include guide fossils, zone fossils, and marker fossils. Guide fossils refer to fossils that are used to guide paleontologists in the identification of a specific geological period, while zone fossils are fossils that define a particular interval or zone within a geological stratum. Marker fossils are fossils that are used as a reference point to determine the relative age of other fossils found in the same layer. Regardless of their name, index fossils are invaluable tools for understanding the Earth's geological history and the evolution of life on our planet.
