Reading Earth's History

Which process would be most effective in determining the age of fossils embedded in rock?

• relative dating

• absolute dating

• use of index fossils

• use of core sampling

Which statement is true?

• The oldest layers of rock and soil are closest to the surface of the earth

• The youngest layers of rock and soil are farther away from the surface of the earth.

• inclusions are younger than the layers they are found in

• Absolute dating and relative dating are two methods used by scientists to determine the age and sequence of geologic events.

What role do faults play in the Law of Superposition?

• Faults create new types of rock.

• Faults are younger than the layers they cut through.

• Faults are the same age as the layers they cut through.

• Faults are older than the layers they cut through.

Which statement best describes the Law of Superposition?

• Each sedimentary layer of rock represents 1,000 years of Earth's age, much like the rings of a tree.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rocks, the upper rock layers are older than the lower rock layers.

• In undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the lowest layers contain the older rocks.

• Rocks that form near volcanoes are older than surrounding rock.

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

• A
• B
• C

The Law of Superposition helps scientists to determine what?

• The absolute age of rock layers
• The age of fossils
• The relative age of rock layers
• the super powers of rocks

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

A scientist who studies ancient life/fossils is a:

• Paleontologist

• Archaeologist

• Biologist

• Sociologist

The age of a rock compared to other rocks around it is:

• Superposition

• Absolute age

• radioactive decay

• relative age

According to the diagram, what is the most recent event?

• B

• I

• R

• H