Units of Measurement Conversion between metric and English units. 1 meter (m) = 39.4 inches = 1.09 yards; 1 yard = 0.92 m 1 centimeter (cm) = 0.39 inches; 1 inch = 2.54 cm 1 millimeter (mm) = 0.039 inch = 39/1,000 inch; 1 inch = 25.4 mm 1 micrometer or micron (um) = 0.000039 inch = 39/1,000,000 inch; 1/1000 inch = 25.4 um
The most important characteristics to consider when identifying Index Fossils: ABUNDANCE: To best allow paleontologists to correlate rocks with other rocks found at locations far apart, it's important that the index fossil be very widely distributed across a vast geographical region.
While every fossil tells us something about the age of the rock it's found in, index fossils are the ones that tell us the most. Index fossils (also called key fossils or type fossils) are those that are used to define periods of geologic time. A good index fossil is one with four characteristics: it is distinctive, widespread, abundant and limited in geologic time. Because most fossil-bearing rocks formed in the ocean, the major index fossils are marine organisms. That being said, certain land organisms are useful in young rocks and in specific regions. Any type of organism can be distinctive, but not so many are widespread.