Question

The absolute method of determining the age of fossils is based on:

Options

• The radioactive decay of \({}^{14}\text{C}\)

• The comparison of upper and lower strata

• The amount of mineral infiltration in cavities

• The depth of fossils in sedimentary strata

Answer 1

The absolute method, known as carbon dating, is based on the radioactive decay of \({}^{14}\text{C}\). The relative method, by contrast, depends on the position of fossils within strata.