Question

The type of fossil that is widespread over a large geographic range and a short geologic time frame is called __________________________.

Answer 1

Index fossil is a type of fossil that is widespread over a large geographic range or area but in a short geologic time frame. Index fossil are usually used in determining the geological periods because of its short time frame, wide geological spread in area, and its rapid evolution.

Answer 2

Index Fossils are the type of fossils that has distinctive characteristics, abundant in number, global in range and existed for a short geological time frame.  They are the best type of fossils in telling time.  Examples of index fossils are ammonites, brachiopods, crinoids, bryozoans, rugose corals, mollusks and trilobites.