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There are several ways of identifying the age of fossils.

Stratigraphic Method

Literally counting the layers or strata of the rock. If you can determine the age of one layer then on most occasions you can count the number of layers down.

Also connected with stratification is Magnetic Stratigraphy. It is thought that Earths magnetic field reverses every 300,000 years (although it is estimated this last happened 780,000 years ago). When certain sedimentary and volcanic layers are laid down elements in the rock align with Earths magnetic field. As you go down the layers of rock you can measure which way the elements are aligned and thus determine the age.

Radiometric Method

Certain radioactive elements can be used to date fossils. Volcanic rock has no lead when it is laid down. However it does contain Uranium. If you compare the ration between U-235 and Pb-207 accurate dates can be determined. Also important is potassium and argon. Ratio's between K-40 and Ar-40 can determine the age of the fossil.

If the fossil is very young (less than 60,000 years) Carbon 14 can also be used. So called carbon dating.

Index Method

Certain animals and plants were wide spread on earth. We also through other methods have determined accurate dates for these index fossils. If you find an index fossil in the same layer as a fossil you can tell the age.

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If a scientist find trace fossils that show a path in the sand from a snail like animals . What might the scientist learn about the animal?

If a scientist finds trace fossils showing a path in the sand from a snail-like animal, they might learn about the animal's movement patterns, behavior, and habitat preferences. The trail can indicate how the animal navigated its environment, whether it was foraging for food or escaping predators. Additionally, the depth and width of the trail could provide insights into the size and physical characteristics of the animal. Overall, these trace fossils can help reconstruct the ecological dynamics of the environment in which the animal lived.


What is a scenario in which a scientist might use both relative and absolute methods of dating?

A scientist studying a sedimentary rock formation might use relative dating methods to determine the sequence of rock layers and their relative ages based on the principle of superposition. To complement this, they could apply absolute dating techniques, such as radiometric dating, to obtain precise ages for specific layers or fossils within those layers. This combined approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the geological history and the timing of events in the formation's development.


How did fossils provide evidence for contental drift?

Because, similar fossils could be found on different continents, in rocks of the same age.


Where could you go to find fossils in southern California?

Brea Tar Pits and Natural History Museum in LA.


Which type of rock is where fossils are found?

They are mostly found in Sedimentary Rocks

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If a scientist find trace fossils that show a path in the sand from a snail like animals . What might the scientist learn about the animal?

If a scientist finds trace fossils showing a path in the sand from a snail-like animal, they might learn about the animal's movement patterns, behavior, and habitat preferences. The trail can indicate how the animal navigated its environment, whether it was foraging for food or escaping predators. Additionally, the depth and width of the trail could provide insights into the size and physical characteristics of the animal. Overall, these trace fossils can help reconstruct the ecological dynamics of the environment in which the animal lived.


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