Relative dating

Used to determine whether an object is older or younger than other objects

• Superposition
• Relative Dating
• Fossil
• Unconformity

Traces or remains of organisms that lived long ago

• Fossil
• Unconformity
• Superposition
• Column

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

An ordered arrangement of rock layers that is based on the relative ages of the rocks

• Superposition
• Unconformity
• Layered
• Geologic Column

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the law of superposition?

• The age of sedimentary rock not found in the original layers.
• Metamorphic rock is younger than the nearby igneous rock.
• Sedimentary rock in it's original position is older than layers above it.
• Metamorphic rock is older because it was deposited to nearby sedimentary rock.

How do geologists use relative dating?

• Placing rocks in order from youngest to oldest
• Placing rocks in order by minerals they contain
• Classifying rocks by different textures
• Classifying rocks by different isotopes

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

• At the top of the rock layers
• Near the bottom of the rock layers
• In the middle of the rock layers
• Somewhat near the surface

According to the law of superposition, which layer is the youngest?

• A
• B
• C

How do scientists use fossils to determine the relative ages of rock layers?

• by comparing all the fossils in one rock layer
• by comparing fossils in many different rock layers
• by determining the positions of fossils in many different rock layers
• by locating other areas of the world where the same fossils are found

The fossil record

• Has gaps 
• Shows the history of life on earth
• Helps scientists understand how species have evolved over time
• All of these are correct