6
QuizMultiple Choice

Relative Dating

Question 6 • 2026-27 AL-Earth and Space Science

Which correctly lists three different geologic features that help scientists determine the relative ages of rocks by their positions?

Answer
A
magma, erosion, and intrusions
B
erosion, magma, and cross-cutting relationships
C
intrusions, index fossils, and magma
D
index fossils, intrusions, and cross-cutting relationships

Explanation

Index fossils help correlate rock layers of the same relative age. Intrusions and cross-cutting relationships show that the feature cutting through a rock is younger than the rock it cuts. These are all useful clues for determining relative ages; magma and erosion alone are not specific dating principles in this list.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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