How Do You Determine The Age Of A Fossil?
Paleontologists determine the age of fossils by using two main methods of dating; comparative or relative dating infers the age of the fossil by determining the age of the rock where the fossil was found; absolute or chronometric dating uses the radioactive decay of isotopes in the rock to determine the geologic age. The procedures for measuring radioactive decay are complex and require the use of expensive scientific equipment; however, by utilizing the available data from previously dated materials, you can determine the approximate age of similar specimens from other locations. Identify any “index fossils” found near your specimen. These well-known fossils, also known as marker or dating fossils help determine the approximate age of more obscure fossils found with them. Such index fossils include trilobites, graptolites, ammonites and foraminiferans. Identify the strata of your fossil environment by using geological maps and the geological time scale. By using previously dated strat
