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lesson pretestMultiple Choice

Pretest

Question 1 • TPS EdX Biology

Why is radioactive dating important when approximating the age of Earth?

Answer
A
Scientists can examine how temperature changes within Earth’s interior.
B
Scientists can identify different life forms using index fossil records.
C
Scientists can analyze changes in chemical concentration of atmospheric gases.
D
Scientists can determine the order of when rocks formed on Earth.

Explanation

Radioactive dating uses the predictable decay of radioactive isotopes in rocks to estimate how long ago they formed. Comparing those ages helps scientists establish the sequence in which rocks formed and estimate Earth’s age. Choice D describes this use.

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