SCIENCE OF NATURAL DISASTERS ASSIGNMENT 6
The Science of Natural Disasters
Natural Disasters, 7th ed., by Patrick L. Abbott (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009; ISBN-13: 978-0-07-337669-1).
Written Assignment 6
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions as completely as possible.
1. Explain the laws of superposition, faunal assemblages and faunal succession. How do they support the theory of evolution? [LO6.1]
Laws of superposition; A concept initially proposed by Avicenna, a Persian geologist in the 11th century, then clarified by a Danish scientist Nicolas Steno in 1669. Whereby explaining sedimentary layering(strata).
Starting with the older sedimentary layers on the bottom of rocks on surfaces, mounting vertically as layered with newer or younger sediment creating more strata. The law assumes that all strata or layers once included liquid that sinks to the bottom of the layers. Over time these layers accumulate and change based on the environment. The changes in strata bond creating a separation between the layers. The assemblages of fossils, also known as faunal assemblages, can be recognized through intervals of sedimentary strata.
Faunal assemblages; Used to chronologically correlate fossils to time periods in history. Each strata contains faunal assemblage, each biozone contains geological strata. In that stratum contains the fossils unique to that area. As organisms die or go extinct their fossils are encapsulated in the sedimentary rock of that time period.
In 1815, W. Smith published a book of geological maps of England and Wales using the principles of faunal assemblages. Sparking a scientific movement to categorize and study faunal assemblage, stratum and world history.
Faunal successions; When older forms of organisms die off, new forms emerge, developing new life, known as the fauna succession, lending support to the theory of evolution. As stratum is analyzed on the lower levels, we can see fossilize dinosaur bones, while on successive levels we see Neanderthal bones.
Natural Disasters, 7th ed., by Patrick L. Abbott (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009; ISBN-13: 978-0-07-337669-1).
Written Assignment 6
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions as completely as possible.
1. Explain the laws of superposition, faunal assemblages and faunal succession. How do they support the theory of evolution? [LO6.1]
Laws of superposition; A concept initially proposed by Avicenna, a Persian geologist in the 11th century, then clarified by a Danish scientist Nicolas Steno in 1669. Whereby explaining sedimentary layering(strata).
Starting with the older sedimentary layers on the bottom of rocks on surfaces, mounting vertically as layered with newer or younger sediment creating more strata. The law assumes that all strata or layers once included liquid that sinks to the bottom of the layers. Over time these layers accumulate and change based on the environment. The changes in strata bond creating a separation between the layers. The assemblages of fossils, also known as faunal assemblages, can be recognized through intervals of sedimentary strata.
Faunal assemblages; Used to chronologically correlate fossils to time periods in history. Each strata contains faunal assemblage, each biozone contains geological strata. In that stratum contains the fossils unique to that area. As organisms die or go extinct their fossils are encapsulated in the sedimentary rock of that time period.
In 1815, W. Smith published a book of geological maps of England and Wales using the principles of faunal assemblages. Sparking a scientific movement to categorize and study faunal assemblage, stratum and world history.
Faunal successions; When older forms of organisms die off, new forms emerge, developing new life, known as the fauna succession, lending support to the theory of evolution. As stratum is analyzed on the lower levels, we can see fossilize dinosaur bones, while on successive levels we see Neanderthal bones.
Cited: Materials Abbott, Patrick L. (2008). Natural Disasters (6th edition) (pp 355-356)(pp 290)(pp441-490) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701105330.htm http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2010/02/is-jupiter-a-shield-protecting-earth-from-impacting-comets-asteroids-maybe-not-experts-say-.html www.world-mysteries.com/sci_tunguska.htm