AIIMS 2018 Botany Dating Techniques MCQ Question

Radioactive carbon dating, often referred to as radiocarbon dating, is a method used to determine the age of organic materials by measuring the decay of carbon-14 (¹⁴C), which is particularly useful for dating fossils and archaeological artifacts, thus providing insights into the geological age of rock layers where these materials are found. Living fossils, such as the coelacanth, offer clues about evolutionary history and the age of specific geological formations, reinforcing the connection between biological and geological timelines.

Option A (Biological age) is incorrect because it pertains to the lifespan or maturity of organisms rather than the age of geological formations. Option B (Geological age) is misleading as it implies a broader context that includes various dating methods, while option C specifically addresses the dating of rocks through associated fossils. Option D (Geographical distribution) is unrelated, as it focuses on the spatial arrangement of species rather than their age.