Examples of Relative and Absolute Fossils

What is the primary difference between relative and absolute dating of fossils?

• Relative dating determines the age of a fossil in comparison to other fossils, while absolute dating provides a specific age.

• Relative dating uses radiometric techniques, while absolute dating uses stratigraphy.

• Relative dating is more accurate than absolute dating.

• Relative dating can only be used for fossils older than 1 million years.

Which of the following is an example of a method used in absolute dating?

• Stratigraphy

• Radiocarbon dating

• Biostratigraphy

• Lithostratigraphy

In which type of rock are fossils most commonly found?

• Igneous rock

• Sedimentary rock

• Metamorphic rock

• Volcanic rock

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is the principle of superposition in geology?

• Older layers of rock are found above younger layers.

• Younger layers of rock are found above older layers.

• All layers of rock are the same age.

• Fossils are only found in the top layer of rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which isotope is commonly used in radiocarbon dating?

• Carbon-12

• Carbon-13

• Carbon-14

• Carbon-15

What does the term 'half-life' refer to in the context of radioactive decay?

• The time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay.

• The time it takes for a radioactive sample to completely decay.

• The time it takes for a radioactive sample to start decaying.

• The time it takes for a radioactive sample to double in size.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which of the following is a limitation of relative dating?

• It cannot provide an exact age of a fossil.

• It is more expensive than absolute dating.

• It requires the use of radioactive isotopes.

• It can only be used on igneous rocks.

What is dendrochronology?

• A method of dating based on the analysis of patterns of tree rings.

• A method of dating based on the decay of radioactive isotopes.

• A method of dating based on the layers of sedimentary rock.

• A method of dating based on the presence of certain fossils.

Which of the following fossils would be best dated using radiocarbon dating?

• A dinosaur bone

• A wooden tool from an ancient civilization

• A trilobite fossil

• A piece of volcanic ash

What is the main advantage of using absolute dating over relative dating?

• Absolute dating is less expensive.

• Absolute dating provides a specific age for a fossil.

• Absolute dating is faster.

• Absolute dating can be used on all types of rocks.