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Relative dating tells us the age of the strata in relation to each other. Older strata are invariably further down, except on the rare occasions of overthrusts. When an overthrust occurs there is typically a discontinuity--clear evidence this has occurred.

More recent layers will be deposited above the older layers.

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Q: What does relative dating tell us about rock layers and the fossils they contain?
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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.


Which type of dating uses index fossils?

Relative dating. Paleostratigraphy correlates layers of rock using index fossils found within them.


Principle that allows rock layers in different places to be correlated based on their fossils?

Relative dating by index fossils.


How does relative dating enable palenteologists to estimate a fossils age?

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


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


How would a geologist determine the age of rock layers and fossils if the geologist found a never before seen rock layer that contain fossils?

First step would be relative-dating: examining the new unit in the context of known rocks above and below it. Then look for correlative formations & fossils elsewhere.


How scientists determine the age of a fossil?

The dating of fossils was originally done by their placement in a geologic column of rock strata. Because of the Law of Superposition, the deeper the stratum, the older it is (in an undisturbed body of rock or sediment). Fossils which were evident in a particular stratum, but missing from other strata were noted as "index" fossils. The presence of these fossils indicated the age of the stratum relative to other layers. The layers of stratum were placed in a geologic column, subdivided, and assigned names based on the presence of different types of fossil organisms.This is the basis of "relative dating" of rock layers and fossils, a dating technique that was in effect until the advent of radiometric techniques in the twentieth century.


What is the method of determining whether a fossil is older or younger than other fossils found in the many layers of sedimentary rock is called what?

relative dating


What is examined to do relative dating?

The position of fossils in sedimentary rock layers.


Dating technique involving compraring fossils in rock layers?

Relative dating-comparing fossils related to how old other fossils are in the same sample of rock. If the rock has been undisturbed, the oldest rock will be at the bottom, therefore, the oldest fossils will also be at the bottom. the youngest rock will be at the top, therefore, the youngest fossils will be at the top. Absolute Dating-When you can figure out through testing the exact age of the fossil


How do you tell which fossils are older?

Fossils found in deeper rock layers are typically older than those found in shallower layers. Scientists also use methods like radiometric dating to determine the age of fossils based on the decay of radioactive isotopes present in the fossils. Additionally, studying the index fossils that are typically associated with specific time periods can help determine the relative age of fossils.


Can fossils be used to determine the relative ages of rocks layers?

fossils can be used to determine the relative age of rock layer by using the classification of fossils to find the relative ages of rocks in which fossils are found. :] hoped i helped you out.