Using Absolute and Relative Age

What is the significance of the principle of inclusions in relative age dating?

• It states that the inclusions found in a rock layer are older than the rock layer itself.

• It states that the inclusions found in a rock layer are younger than the rock layer itself.

• It states that the inclusions found in a rock layer are of the same age as the rock layer itself.

• It states that the inclusions found in a rock layer have no significance in determining the age of the rock layer.

Answer explanation

The principle of inclusions in relative age dating states that the inclusions found in a rock layer are older than the rock layer itself, making the correct answer choice the one that reflects this relationship.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the role of radiometric dating in determining the relative age of rock layers?

• It involves using the color of rock layers to determine their age.

• It involves using the texture of rock layers to determine their age.

• It involves measuring the amount of radioactive decay in a rock layer to determine its age.

• It involves using the number of fossils in a rock layer to determine its age.

Answer explanation

Radiometric dating involves measuring the amount of radioactive decay in a rock layer to determine its age, making it the correct choice for determining the relative age of rock layers.

Why is the Law of Superposition important in relative age dating?

• It has no importance in relative age dating.

• It helps in determining the relative ages of rock layers.

• It is a myth and not based on scientific evidence.

• It is only important for absolute age dating.

Answer explanation

The Law of Superposition is important in relative age dating as it helps in determining the relative ages of rock layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

How do cross-cutting relationships help in determining the relative age of rock layers?

• by counting the number of fossils in the rock layers

• by measuring the radioactive decay of the rock layers

• by analyzing the color and texture of the rock layers

• by showing the sequence of events and which rock layers are older or younger

Answer explanation

Cross-cutting relationships help determine the relative age of rock layers by showing the sequence of events and which rock layers are older or younger.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Describe the process of using relative age dating techniques to determine the age of rock layers.

• using the color of the rock layers to determine their age

• comparing the position of rock layers and using principles of superposition, original horizontality, cross-cutting relationships, and inclusions.

• measuring the amount of radioactive decay in the rock layers

• counting the number of fossils found in the rock layers

Answer explanation

Using relative age dating techniques involves comparing the position of rock layers and applying principles like superposition, original horizontality, cross-cutting relationships, and inclusions to determine their age.

What is the principle of cross-cutting relationships in the context of relative age dating?

• It states that the age of a rock layer is determined by the number of fossils it contains.

• It states that the age of a rock layer is determined by its color.

• It states that a rock layer is older than any rock or feature that cuts through it.

• It states that a rock layer is younger than any rock or feature that cuts through it.

Answer explanation

The principle of cross-cutting relationships states that a rock layer is older than any rock or feature that cuts through it, helping determine relative ages.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the principle of lateral continuity in the context of relative age dating?

• It states that layers of sediment initially extend laterally in all directions and can be correlated over large areas.

• It states that all rock layers are of the same age.

• It states that the oldest rock layers are at the bottom.

• It states that rock layers can be dated based on the fossils they contain.

Answer explanation

The principle of lateral continuity in relative age dating states that layers of sediment initially extend laterally in all directions and can be correlated over large areas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the principle of fossil correlation in the context of relative age dating?

• It states that the age of a rock layer is determined by the number of fossils it contains.

• It states that the age of a rock layer is determined by its color.

• It states that similar fossils found in different rock layers indicate that the layers are of similar age.

• It states that a rock layer is younger than any rock or feature that cuts through it.

Answer explanation

The principle of fossil correlation states that similar fossils found in different rock layers indicate that the layers are of similar age, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Rank these four layers from youngest to oldest:

• ADEG

• AEDG

• GDAE

• GEDA

Answer explanation

The correct order from youngest to oldest is GEDA. Therefore, the correct answer is GEDA.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The __________of rocks is the numerical age and real age of rocks.

• relative age

• half-life

• absolute age

• earth age