Relative Dating of Fossils
Explore the principles of relative dating and how they are used to determine the age of fossils and rock layers.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Relative Dating of Fossils Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Score:
Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to the principles of relative dating when necessary.
1. Which principle states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top?
Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships
Principle of Original Horizontality
Principle of Superposition
Principle of Faunal Succession
2. Fossils found in deeper rock layers are generally than those found in shallower layers.
3. An fossil is a fossil that is widespread geographically but existed for a relatively short period of geological time, making it useful for dating rock layers.
4. Observe the image below. If layer A is at the bottom and layer D is at the top, which layer is the oldest and why?
5. The Principle of Original Horizontality states that sedimentary layers are originally deposited in horizontal layers.
True
False
Match the principle of relative dating with its description.
6. Superposition
a. Younger features cut across older features
7. Original Horizontality
b. Sedimentary layers are deposited flat
8. Cross-Cutting Relationships
c. Oldest layers are at the bottom
Related Worksheets
Continental Drift Worksheet
Explore the theory of continental drift, Pangea, and evidence supporting plate tectonics for Grade 8 science students.
Weather Instruments Worksheet
Explore common weather instruments and their functions with this Grade 8 science worksheet.
Grade 8 Climate Science Worksheet
Worksheet covering key concepts of climate, climate change, greenhouse effect, and human impact for Grade 8 science students.
Erosion and Weathering Worksheet
Explore the processes of erosion and weathering, their causes, and impacts on Earth's surface.
The Rock Cycle Worksheet
Explore the fascinating processes of the rock cycle with this Grade 8 science worksheet. Understand the formation and transformation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Natural Events Worksheet
Explore natural events like earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and tsunamis with this grade 8 science worksheet.
Watershed Wonders
Explore the fascinating world of watersheds, their components, and their importance in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Ocean Waves Worksheet
Explore the science behind ocean waves, including their formation, characteristics, and different types, with this comprehensive worksheet for 8th-grade science.