Science: Absolute Age of Rocks and Fossils Quick check.
When will a fossil be used in finding the absolute age of rocks? (1 point)
1. if it existed for a long period of time and in a wide area.
2. if it existed for a long period of time and in a small area.
3. if it existed for a limited period of time and in a wide area.
4. if it existed for a limited period of time and in a small area.
correct answer if it existed for a limited period of time and in a wide area.
The correct answer is 4. if it existed for a limited period of time and in a small area.
To determine the absolute age of rocks, scientists often use a method called radiometric dating. This method relies on the decay of radioactive isotopes within the rocks or fossils. By measuring the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes in a sample, scientists can calculate the exact age of the rock or fossil.
When a fossil is used to determine the absolute age of rocks, it is most useful if it existed for a limited period of time and in a small area. This is because radiometric dating requires a specific type of isotopic decay that is rare and occurs over relatively short periods of time. Additionally, having a small area helps ensure that the age determination is consistent and accurate, as different areas could have varying geological conditions that could affect the reliability of the dating method.
Therefore, a fossil that existed for a limited period of time (such as a rare or short-lived species) and in a small area (where geological conditions were relatively uniform) would be the most ideal for determining the absolute age of rocks.