Multiple Choice
Which hypothesis suggests that the basic organic compounds necessary for life were formed on Earth through natural chemical processes?
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What information can absolute dating provide a scientist about the age of a fossil in the fossil record?
A
The relative age of the fossil compared to other fossils.
B
The exact age of the fossil in years.
C
The environmental conditions when the fossil was formed.
D
The type of organism the fossil represents.
Verified step by step guidance1
Absolute dating is a method used to determine the exact age of a fossil in years, rather than just its relative age compared to other fossils.
This technique often involves measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes within the fossil or the surrounding rocks. Common isotopes used include Carbon-14, Uranium-238, and Potassium-40.
The decay rate of these isotopes is known and can be used to calculate the time elapsed since the fossil was formed. This is based on the concept of half-life, which is the time required for half of the radioactive isotope to decay.
By measuring the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes in a sample, scientists can determine the number of half-lives that have passed, and thus calculate the age of the fossil.
Absolute dating provides precise age estimates, which are crucial for understanding the timeline of life on Earth and the environmental conditions at the time the fossil was formed.
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