biostratigraphy

[ bahy-oh-struh-tig-ruh-fee ]
/ ˌbaɪ oʊ strəˈtɪg rə fi /

noun

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

Origin of biostratigraphy

OTHER WORDS FROM biostratigraphy

bi·o·strat·i·graph·ic [bahy-oh-strat-i-graf-ik] /ˌbaɪ oʊˌstræt ɪˈgræf ɪk/, adjective

Scientific definitions for biostratigraphy

biostratigraphy
[ bī′ō-strə-tĭgrə-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.