Dating Fossils

Front

What is radiometric dating?

Back

A method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Front

What happens to the amount of carbon-14 in a fossil as it ages?

Back

The amount of carbon-14 decreases over time.

Front

What is the significance of index fossils in dating?

Back

Index fossils are used to identify and date the layers of rock in which they are found, helping to establish a relative age.

Front

What does it mean if a fossil has 40% carbon-14 remaining?

Back

It indicates that the fossil is older compared to one with a higher percentage of carbon-14.

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

In undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

How does erosion rate contribute to dating fossils?

Back

Erosion rate can provide clues about the age of fossils based on the amount of sediment removed over time.

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating determines the sequence of events, while absolute dating provides a specific age.

Front

What are the limitations of using erosion rate for dating?

Back

Erosion rates can vary widely and are influenced by environmental factors, making them less reliable.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism, often found in sedimentary rock.

Front

What is the role of carbon-14 in dating fossils?

Back

Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope used to date organic materials up to about 50,000 years old.