If a Fossil Is Encased in a Stratum of Sedimentary

question 61

Multiple Choice

If a fossil is encased in a stratum of sedimentary rock without any strata of igneous rock (for example, lava, volcanic ash) nearby, then it should be

• A) easy to determine the absolute age of the fossil, because the radioisotopes in the sediments will not have been "reset" by the heat of the igneous rocks.
• B) easy to determine the absolute age of the fossil, because the igneous rocks will not have physically obstructed the deposition of sediment of a single age next to the fossil.
• C) easy to determine, as long as there is enough metamorphic rock nearby.
• D) difficult to determine the absolute age of the fossil, because the "marker fossils" common to igneous rock will be absent.
• E) difficult to determine the absolute age of the fossil, because radiometric dating of sedimentary rock is less accurate than that of igneous rock.

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Definitions:

Relationship

How two or more entities, things, or persons relate to each other, or their state of linkage.

Predict

To declare or indicate an event, condition, or result in the future, typically based on observation, experience, or scientific reasoning.

Representative Sample

A smaller portion of a population that accurately represents the characteristics of the whole population.

Residents

Individuals who inhabit a particular place or locality, usually implying a degree of permanence.