Fossil Dating Fundamentals
Explore the basics of fossil dating, including relative and absolute dating methods, with this engaging worksheet for 6th graders.
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Fossil Dating Fundamentals
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Good luck!
1. What is the process of determining the age of a fossil called?
Fossilization
Dating
Excavation
Classification
2. Which dating method compares the position of fossils in rock layers?
Absolute dating
Relative dating
Carbon dating
Stratigraphy
1. The deeper a fossil is found in rock layers, the it usually is.
2. Absolute dating uses the decay of elements to determine a fossil's age.
3. The Law of states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom.
1. Relative dating gives an exact numerical age for a fossil.
True
False
2. Carbon-14 dating can be used to date very old fossils, millions of years old.
True
False
1. Briefly explain the difference between relative dating and absolute dating.
Observe the image below, which shows different rock layers and fossils.
Based on the principle of relative dating, which fossil would be considered the oldest?