Question

determine whether the method listed is an absolute or relative dating method.
law of superposition
uranium - lead dating
speciation
fossilization
stratigraphy

Explanation:

• Law of Superposition: This principle states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the younger ones are on top. It only gives a relative order of rock layers (which is older or younger compared to another layer), so it is a relative dating method.
• Uranium - Lead Dating: This is a radiometric dating method. It uses the decay of uranium isotopes to lead isotopes. By measuring the ratio of parent (uranium) to daughter (lead) isotopes in a sample and knowing the decay rate (half - life), an absolute age (in years) of the sample (usually a rock or mineral) can be calculated. So, it is an absolute dating method.
• Speciation: Speciation is the process by which new species arise. In the context of dating, when we look at the appearance and disappearance of species in the fossil record, we can establish a relative order of rock layers. For example, if a particular species is known to have existed in a certain geological time range, the presence of its fossil in a layer can tell us that the layer is older than layers where the species' fossil is absent (assuming no re - deposition). So, it is a relative dating method.
• Fossilization: The process of fossilization itself doesn't directly give an absolute age. However, the study of fossils (paleontology) is often used in relative dating. For instance, index fossils (fossils of species that were widespread but existed for a short geological time) are used to correlate rock layers across different locations. So, in the context of dating, it is more related to relative dating.
• Stratigraphy: Stratigraphy is the study of rock layers (strata). By analyzing the order, composition, and relationships of rock layers, geologists can establish a relative sequence of events. For example, cross - cutting relationships (where a fault or igneous intrusion cuts through rock layers, and the fault or intrusion is younger than the layers it cuts) are a key concept in stratigraphy for relative dating. So, it is a relative dating method.

Answer:

• Law of Superposition: Relative
• Uranium - Lead Dating: Absolute
• Speciation: Relative
• Fossillization: Relative
• Stratigraphy: Relative