Question #be822
1 Answer
Actually we can't the age of the fossils is an estimate based on the laws of superimposition, and the Darwinian theory of evolution.
Explanation:
Carbon 14 used in radioactive dating is only reliable for ages of up to 50,000 years. This is very useful in archeology but not of much value in dating fossils.
Other forms of radioactive dating are based on the break down of igneous rocks. Fossils are almost exclusively in sedimentary rocks.
Therefore radioactive dating can not be used directly on fossils.
An estimate of the age of fossils can be made using the laws of superimposition. A layer of lava that can be dated using radioactive isotopes is found above a sedimentary layer of rocks containing fossils. The age of the lava must be younger than the age of the fossils. How much younger is a guess.
Estimates are made of how long it takes to build up the layers of the sedimentary rocks. Based on the thickness of the sedimentary layers calculations are made about the age of the fossils.
Ultimately the age of the fossils is based on the fossils themselves.
Simple fossils are assumed to be older based on Darwinian evolution. Complex fossils are assumed to be younger. Even if the complex fossils are found to be under layers of simpler fossils the complex fossils are still assumed to be younger.
