Relative dating — Science definition
Determining whether a rock layer or fossil is older or younger than another — not its exact age in years.
Where it is taught
- Fossils & Relative Dating — Earth’s History, Earth & Space Science, Grade 9
In use
Fossils and rock layers don't come with a date stamped on them, so geologists use relative dating to work out which layer or fossil is older or younger than another — the order of events, not an exact age in years.
Fossils & Relative Dating
Questions using relative dating
Problem 1
Relative dating tells you...
- The exact age of a rock in years
- Whether a rock layer is older or younger than another layer
- The chemical composition of a rock
- The temperature at which a rock formed
Answer and explanation
Whether a rock layer is older or younger than another layer
Relative dating only compares the order of events — older versus younger — not exact ages in years.