Earth's History - Sullivan 2023

Front

What does 'absolute age' tell about a rock layer or fossil?

Back

The 'exact' age of a fossil determined by half-life of radioactive elements.

Front

Approximately how old is the Earth?

Back

4.6 billion years.

Front

What is an example of relative age?

Back

Saying you are older than your sister.

Front

What is a multi-celled organism?

Back

An organism that consists of more than one cell, such as plants and animals.

Front

Which layer of rock is the oldest if layers have been disturbed?

Back

Layer A because other layers were formed in it.

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Front

What is the significance of half-life in dating rocks?

Back

Half-life is the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay, used to determine the absolute age of rocks.

Front

What is the difference between relative age and absolute age?

Back

Relative age compares the age of one rock layer to another, while absolute age gives a specific age.

Front

What is radiometric dating?

Back

A method used to date materials by comparing the abundance of radioactive isotopes and their decay products.