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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between relative dating and absolute dating of fossils?
A
Relative dating and absolute dating both provide exact ages of fossils using different isotopes.
B
Relative dating uses the decay of radioactive isotopes, while absolute dating uses the position of fossils in sedimentary layers.
C
Relative dating determines the exact age of a fossil, while absolute dating places fossils in a sequence without exact dates.
D
Relative dating places fossils in a sequence based on their position in sedimentary layers, while absolute dating determines the exact age using radioactive isotopes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of relative dating: Relative dating involves placing fossils in a chronological sequence based on their position in sedimentary rock layers. It does not provide an exact age but rather an order of occurrence.
Understand the concept of absolute dating: Absolute dating, on the other hand, provides an exact age or range in years for a fossil. This is achieved through the use of radioactive isotopes and their known decay rates.
Identify the incorrect statement: The statement 'Relative dating and absolute dating both provide exact ages of fossils using different isotopes' is incorrect because relative dating does not provide exact ages.
Identify the incorrect statement: The statement 'Relative dating uses the decay of radioactive isotopes, while absolute dating uses the position of fossils in sedimentary layers' is incorrect because it reverses the methods used by each dating technique.
Identify the correct statement: The statement 'Relative dating places fossils in a sequence based on their position in sedimentary layers, while absolute dating determines the exact age using radioactive isotopes' correctly describes the difference between the two methods.