Relative Dating Uses ______ to Estimate How Old a Fossil

Question

Relative dating uses ______ to estimate how old a fossil is.
A) structural features
B) radioactive isotopes
C) a molecular clock
D) embryonic structures
E) depth within rock layers

Accepted Answer

Relative dating relies on the principle of superposition, which states that deeper layers of rock are typically older than shallower layers. By determining the depth within rock layers where a fossil is found, scientists can estimate its relative age. Structural features, radioactive isotopes, molecular clocks, and embryonic structures are all used in other forms of dating or analysis, but not in relative dating.