biostratigraphy
/ˌbaɪoʊstrəˈtɪɡrəfi/
noun
- The study of rock layers based on the fossils they contain, used to determine the age and history of the Earth.
- Using biostratigraphy, scientists can match rock layers from different parts of the world.
- The field of biostratigraphy is important for finding oil and natural gas deposits.
- Biostratigraphy helps geologists date rock formations by examining the fossils inside them.