I think your questions are appropriate, however, they are
technical, and although I have attempted to explain my understanding of
index fossils and biostratigraphy in an approachable way, I am *extremely*
hindered by not being able to refer to diagrams and specific fossil
examples which would take far more than my already lengthy notes to
describe. I do not want to impose lengthy technical explanations on other
readers if they are not interested, but am completely willing to explain
what I understand and give pointers to more information to you in whatever
form you choose. This is the work I do. I could get more technical than
I am sure anyone could stand unless they were also a paleontologist :-)
You are asking good, pertinent questions, it is just a little difficult to
answer given the limitations of a text-only forum where people may or may
not be interested in the necessary level of detail. I can not tell if
people are fascinated or bored reading this stuff. :-) Whatever the
reaction, the explanations I could provide and the efficiency with which I
could express them can not compare to what would be obtained from a
reasonable text on biostratigraphy. I recommend you look for a good one,
but whether you have or not, I am still honestly willing to answer any
questions you may have.
-Andrew
macrae@geo.ucalgary.ca
home page: http://www.geo.ucalgary.ca/~macrae