biostratigraphy

[ bahy-oh-struh-tig-ruh-fee ]

noun

1. a branch of geology dealing with the differentiation of sedimentary rock units on the basis of the fossils they contain.

biostratigraphy

/ bī′ō-strə-tĭg′rə-fē /

1. The study and categorization of rock strata based on their fossil content and distribution. Biostratigraphic data are often considered together with radiometric and paleoenvironmental data as a means of dating rock strata.
2. Compare lithostratigraphy

Other Words From

• bi·o·strat·i·graph·ic [bahy-oh-strat-i-, graf, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of biostratigraphy¹

bio- + stratigraphy