Question

Scientists used radioactive dating to measure the age of a volcanic rock layer. They determined the rock was about 200 million years old.

How does this evidence support scientific theories about Earth’s history?

Responses
A It proves Earth formed exactly 200 million years ago.It proves Earth formed exactly 200 million years ago.
B It shows that scientists can measure the absolute age of rocks, which supports the timeline of Earth’s history.It shows that scientists can measure the absolute age of rocks, which supports the timeline of Earth’s history.
C It demonstrates that all volcanic rocks are the same age.It demonstrates that all volcanic rocks are the same age.
D It shows that radioactive dating only works on fossils.It shows that radioactive dating only works on fossils.

Answer 1

B

Radioactive dating gives absolute ages for rocks, which lets scientists place events (like volcanic eruptions, formation of rock layers, or fossil ages) on a timeline of Earth's history and test geologic and evolutionary theories.