Which describes the difference between the law of inclusion and the law of crosscutting in relative dating of
rocks and fossils? (1 point)
O Intruding objects are younger in the law of inclusion.
• Intruding objects are older in the law of inclusion
• Bottom layers of rock are older only in the law of crosscutting.
O Bottom layers of rock are younger only in the law of crosscutting
• Intruding objects are younger in the law of inclusion.
The correct answer is: Intruding objects are younger in the law of inclusion.
The difference between the law of inclusion and the law of crosscutting in relative dating can be described as follows:
1. Law of Inclusion: This principle states that any rock or fossil that is found within another rock layer must be younger than the rock layer it is found in. In other words, the intruding objects are younger in the law of inclusion.
To understand this concept, one needs to examine the rock layers and fossils present in a specific area or site. When analyzing the layers, if a rock or fossil is seen embedded within another rock layer, we can infer that the rock or fossil is younger than the layer it is found in. This is because the intrusion or inclusion must have occurred after the formation of the surrounding rock layer. By identifying the order of rock layers and their embedded objects, geologists can determine the relative ages of the rocks and fossils.
2. Law of Crosscutting: This principle states that any rock layer that cuts across or intersects another rock layer must be younger than the layer it cuts through. In this case, the intruding objects are older in the law of crosscutting.
To apply this principle, one must look for instances where rock layers have been disrupted or intersected by another geological feature, such as a fault or an igneous intrusion. The feature causing the disruption must have occurred after the formation of the rock layers it cuts through. Therefore, the crosscutting feature is considered younger than the disrupted layers.
In summary, the law of inclusion states that intruding objects are younger, while the law of crosscutting states that intruding objects are older. These principles help geologists determine the relative ages of rocks and fossils by examining the relationships between rock layers and geological features.