Review Dating Techniques

What does the Law of Superposition state about the layers of sedimentary rock?

• The oldest layer is on the top and the youngest is on the bottom.

• The youngest layer is on the top and the oldest is on the bottom.

• All layers are the same age.

• The age of layers cannot be determined.

Which of the following is NOT a type of unconformity?

• Angular unconformity

• Disconformity

• Nonconformity

• Uncomforty

How does dendrochronology help in dating historical events?

• By measuring radioactive decay

• By counting tree rings

• By analyzing rock layers

• By studying fossilized remains

Which of the following best describes radiometric dating?

• It uses the decay of radioactive isotopes to determine age.

• It measures the thickness of rock layers.

• It analyzes the color of sedimentary rocks.

• It counts the number of fossils in a layer.

Why is carbon-14 dating important in archaeology?

• It can date rocks billions of years old.

• It is used to date organic materials up to about 50,000 years old.

• It is the only method to date fossils.

• It is used to date metals and minerals.

What is the main difference between elements and isotopes?

• Elements have different numbers of protons, isotopes have the same.

• Elements have the same number of protons, isotopes have different numbers of neutrons.

• Elements have different numbers of electrons, isotopes have the same.

• Elements and isotopes are identical.

Which of the following best describes a mold fossil?

• A fossil that forms when minerals replace the original organism.

• A fossil that forms when an organism leaves an impression in the substrate.

• A fossil that forms from the remains of plants.

• A fossil that forms from the remains of animals.

What is a cast fossil?

• A fossil that forms when an organism leaves an impression.

• A fossil that forms when minerals fill in a mold.

• A fossil that forms from the remains of plants.

• A fossil that forms from the remains of animals.

Which type of unconformity occurs when sedimentary rock layers are deposited on top of tilted or folded layers?

• Angular unconformity

• Disconformity

• Nonconformity

• Uncomformity

How can dendrochronology be used to study past climate conditions?

• By analyzing the thickness of tree rings

• By measuring radioactive decay

• By examining fossilized remains

• By studying rock layers