Question

What can be determined about the relative ages of the fossils?

A. Fossils U, W and Y were formed around the same time period as V, X and Z.
B. Fossils U, W, V, and X were formed more recently than Y and Z.
C. Fossils U, W and Y were formed further in the past than V, X and Z.
D. Fossils U, W and Y were formed more recently than V, X and Z.

Answer 1

The relative ages of fossils can be determined by their positions in rock layers, with lower layers containing older fossils. Based on this, fossils U, W, and Y were formed further in the past than V, X, and Z.

Step-by-step explanation:

Relative dating determines which of two fossils is older or younger than the other, but not their age in years. Relative dating is based on the positions of fossils in rock layers. Lower layers were laid down earlier, so they are assumed to contain older fossils. For example, if fossils U, W, and Y are found in a lower rock layer and fossils V, X, and Z are found in a higher rock layer, we can determine that fossils U, W, and Y were formed further in the past than V, X, and Z. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Fossils U, W and Y were formed further in the past than V, X and Z.