Question

a newspaper article reported that a fossil was found that was found that was 200,000 years old according to generally accepted radioactive dating procedures. a letter to the editor of the newspaper disputed the accuracy of the age determination because the fossil was found closer to the earths surface than were previously discovered fossils of the same age. which of the following would be an appropriate argument against the letter writers claim? the age of a rock layer can often help in determining the age of the fossils it contains. older rock layers commonly lie deeper underground than younger ones. fossils form only under certain conditions. older rock layers may be pushed closer to the surface by geologic processes.

Explanation:

The letter writer's claim is based on the assumption that older fossils should always be deeper. But geologic processes can change the position of rock layers. If older rock layers can be pushed closer to the surface (as stated in the fourth option), then the fact that the fossil is closer to the surface doesn't necessarily mean the age determination is wrong. The first option is about using rock layer age to determine fossil age (not relevant to countering the surface - depth claim). The second option supports the letter writer's assumption (older = deeper). The third option is about fossil formation conditions (not relevant to depth - age relation).

Answer:

Older rock layers may be pushed closer to the surface by geologic processes.