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It is determined because in layers of rocks the fossils are found so the layers of rocks give information to the scientist about the age of a fossil so like that the relative age of a fossil is determined.

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How do scientists use sedimentary rock to determine a fossils relative age?

Scientists can use sedimentary rock to determine a fossil's relative age by examining the layers in which the fossil is found. The principle of superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top. By identifying the layer in which the fossil is located, scientists can approximate its relative age compared to other fossils and rock layers.


How do you tell how old a fossil is by the rock layer?

You can determine the relative age of a fossil by looking at the position of the fossil in the rock layers. The closer a fossil is to the surface, the younger it is relative to fossils found deeper in the layers. To determine the absolute age of a fossil, scientists use radiometric dating techniques on the surrounding rocks to determine the age of the rock layer the fossil is found in.


What is a fossil used to date surrounding rock layers called?

A fossil used to date surrounding rock layers is called a index fossil. Index fossils are particularly useful for determining the relative ages of rock layers in different locations.


Applying the law of superposition dates can be determined?

By applying the law of superposition, relative dates can be determined. This law states that in any undisturbed sequence of rocks deposited in layers, the youngest layer is on top and the oldest is on the bottom.


By applying the law of superposition what dates can be determined?

By applying the law of superposition, the relative ages of sedimentary rocks can be determined. This allows geologists to arrange rock layers in chronological order, with the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest layers at the top. Absolute dates (specific numerical ages) cannot be determined solely through the law of superposition.

Related Questions

Could you tell the relative age of a fossil if layers of rock have been shifted by earthquakes?

No, the relative age of a fossil cannot be determined solely by observing the shifting of rock layers caused by earthquakes. Relative dating relies on the principle of superposition, which states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest is at the top. If rock layers have been shifted, additional dating techniques would be needed to determine the relative age of the fossil.


Could you tell the relative age of a fossil if layers of rock have been shifted by earthquake?

No, determining the relative age of a fossil relies on its position within the layers of rock, known as stratigraphy. If layers have been disrupted by an earthquake, it becomes challenging to establish the sequence of deposition accurately, making it difficult to determine the fossil's relative age relative to other fossils.


How do scientists use sedimentary rock to determine a fossils relative age?

Scientists can use sedimentary rock to determine a fossil's relative age by examining the layers in which the fossil is found. The principle of superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top. By identifying the layer in which the fossil is located, scientists can approximate its relative age compared to other fossils and rock layers.


How do you tell how old a fossil is by the rock layer?

You can determine the relative age of a fossil by looking at the position of the fossil in the rock layers. The closer a fossil is to the surface, the younger it is relative to fossils found deeper in the layers. To determine the absolute age of a fossil, scientists use radiometric dating techniques on the surrounding rocks to determine the age of the rock layer the fossil is found in.


What is a fossil used to date surrounding rock layers called?

A fossil used to date surrounding rock layers is called a index fossil. Index fossils are particularly useful for determining the relative ages of rock layers in different locations.


Applying the law of superposition dates can be determined?

By applying the law of superposition, relative dates can be determined. This law states that in any undisturbed sequence of rocks deposited in layers, the youngest layer is on top and the oldest is on the bottom.


Which is an example of relative dating?

One example of relative dating is studying the layers of rock in a particular area. By analyzing the sequence of rock layers and the fossils within them, scientists can determine the relative ages of the rocks and the fossils they contain.


A geologist is studying layers of rock He finds a fossil with an imprint of a shelled animal According to the law of faunal and floral succession what kind of fossil would he most likely find next?

A geologist is studying layers of rock He finds a fossil with an imprint of a shelled animal According to the law of faunal and floral succession what kind of fossil would he most likely find next is a fossil of fishes.


By applying the law of superposition what dates can be determined?

By applying the law of superposition, the relative ages of sedimentary rocks can be determined. This allows geologists to arrange rock layers in chronological order, with the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest layers at the top. Absolute dates (specific numerical ages) cannot be determined solely through the law of superposition.


Why can relative dating be used only to estimate the age of a fossil?

by comparing its placement with that of fossils in other layers of rock


What are index fossil and how are they used to determined the absolute age of sedimentary rock?

Index fossils can be used to help determine the relative age of rock layers. Index fossils are from species that only existed for a short time. Index fossils are found in rock layers. Trilobites and Graptolites are index fossils.


What is the geologic law that scientists use to date the crust by studying the layers of rocks called?

The geologic law that scientists use to date the crust by studying the layers of rocks is the Law of Superposition. This law states that in a sequence of undisturbed rock layers, the oldest rock layer will be at the bottom and the youngest will be at the top. By studying the relative positions of these rock layers, scientists can determine the relative ages of the rocks.