biostratigraphy

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

noun

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

Origin of biostratigraphy

bio- + stratigraphy

Related formsbi·o·strat·i·graph·ic

[bahy-oh-strat-i-graf-ik] /ˌbaɪ oʊˌstræt ɪˈgræf ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Science definitions for biostratigraphy

biostratigraphy

[bī′ō-strə-tĭg′rə-fē]

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. Compare lithostratigraphy.