Question

a team of scientists is studying a rock formation containing three layers of fossils. they use radiometric dating to determine the exact age of one layer, and they compare the fossils in the other layers to establish the ages of the strata. which statement correctly describes the types of dating used by the team of scientists? a. absolute dating was used to determine the properties of the fossils compared to other fossils, and relative dating was used to determine the properties of rock layers compared to other layers. b. absolute dating was used to determine the exact age of one rock layer, while relative dating was used to determine the ages of the other layers compared to each other.

Explanation:

Radiometric dating is a type of absolute dating that gives the exact numerical age of a rock or fossil. Comparing fossils/layers to establish relative ages of strata is relative dating, which only determines the order of layers (not exact ages). Option B matches this: absolute dating (radiometric) for one layer's exact age, relative dating for comparing other layers' ages. Option A incorrectly assigns the methods to the wrong tasks.

Answer:

B. Absolute dating was used to determine the exact age of one rock layer, while relative dating was used to determine the ages of the other layers compared to each other.