Which of these choices is an example of the way a geologist would use relative dating? Fossils show change over time as species evolve. The scientist will organize the layers by comparing the fossils and types of rocks. A scientist wants to make a geologic column of rock layers from different parts of a state.

For what purpose do geologists use relative dating?

Relative dating of rocks establishes the order in which geologic units were deposited or formed. Geologists use superposition, physical characteristics and relationships of rocks, biostratigraphy, cross-cutting relationships, magnetostratigraphy, and chemostratigraphy to determine the relative age of rocks.

Which of the following is a reason to use relative dating?

Relative dating is used to arrange geological events, and the rocks they leave behind, in a sequence. The method of reading the order is called stratigraphy (layers of rock are called strata). Sedimentary rocks are normally laid down in order, one on top of another.