Geologic Time Review 24

Front

What is relative dating in geology?

Back

Relative dating is the method used by geologists to place rock layers in order from youngest to oldest.

Front

True or False: Most fossils form when organisms that die become buried in sediments.

Back

True

Front

What does radioactive dating measure?

Back

Radioactive dating measures the exact age of a sample.

Front

What is the process called that determines the absolute age of a sample by examining radioactive isotopes?

Back

The process is called RADIOMETRIC dating.

Front

According to the law of superposition, where are the oldest fossils found?

Back

The oldest fossils are found near the bottom of the rock layers.

Front

What is the law of superposition?

Back

The law of superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating places events in order without providing an exact age, while absolute dating provides a specific age for a rock or fossil.

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Front

What role do sediments play in fossil formation?

Back

Sediments bury dead organisms, protecting them from decay and allowing fossilization to occur.

Front

What is radiometric dating used for?

Back

Radiometric dating is used to determine the age of rocks and fossils by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.