Asked by tatiana lopez on Jun 19, 2024
Verified
Radiometric dating of the most ancient fossils involves ____.
A) dating volcanic rocks above and below the fossil-containing layer of sedimentary rock
B) calculating the ratio of 14C to 12C in a sample of the fossil
C) counting the rings of trees found with the fossils
D) comparison of unknown fossils with fossils of known age
E) transmission of radio waves through the fossil
Radiometric Dating
Method of estimating the age of a rock or fossil by measuring the content and proportions of a radioisotope and its daughter elements.
Volcanic Rocks
Igneous rocks that are formed from the solidification of lava or magma ejected from volcanoes.
Sedimentary Rock
A type of rock formed by the accumulation and consolidation of mineral and organic particles, precipitated from solution, or deposited as insoluble residue.
- Learn about the process of radiometric dating and its relevance in determining how old fossils are.
Verified Answer
GS
Gabrielle SwabyJun 23, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Radiometric dating involves measuring the amounts of different isotopes in a sample of rock, such as the radioactive parent isotope uranium-238 and its stable daughter isotope lead-206. By comparing the ratio of these isotopes in a fossil-bearing layer of sedimentary rock to the ratio in volcanic rocks above and below it that have been independently dated, scientists can determine the age of the fossils. Choice B is not a real chemical ratio. Choice C is only applicable to fossils found in or near trees. Choice D may provide some hints, but it is not the most accurate method. Choice E is not a scientific method for dating fossils.
Learning Objectives
- Learn about the process of radiometric dating and its relevance in determining how old fossils are.