Question

The age of a fossil is usually determined by analysing the .......... present in the rock from which fossil is recovered.

• A. Radioactive materials
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Calcium
• D. Sodium

Answer 1

The correct option is A Radioactive materials

• There are two methods available to determine the age of a fossil: Absolute methods and Relative method.
• The absolute method uses the radioactive minerals found in fossils and surrounding rocks.
• Over time, these radioactive materials (isotopes) tend to “break down” at a constant, measurable rate.
• The age of the specimen can be determined by measuring the ratio of the parent isotope to the amount of the daughter isotope that it breaks down into,
  
• Carbon dating is a popular method of estimating the age of artefacts and fossil remains.
  
• Thus, the correct answer is (A).