Radiocarbon Dating

Radiocarbon dating, or carbon-14 dating, is a method used to determine the age of an object containing organic material by using the properties of radiocarbon, a radioactive isotope of carbon. It’s based on the principle that carbon-14 decays at a known rate, allowing scientists to estimate how long ago the organism died. Key Characteristics / … Read more

Geochronology

Geochronology is the science of determining the age of rocks, fossils, and sediments, and therefore the age of geological events. It uses various dating methods to establish a chronological framework for Earth’s history and the events that shaped it. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Dating methods: relies on radioactive decay of isotopes (radiometric dating), or … Read more

Fossil Collecting

Fossil collecting is the hobby of searching for and collecting fossilized remains of ancient plants and animals. It involves careful observation, excavation, and preservation of these remnants of prehistoric life. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Systematic Searching: Requires patience and knowledge of likely locations (e.g., sedimentary rock formations). Ethical Considerations: Respecting private property and adhering … Read more

Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs were a diverse group of reptiles that dominated Earth for over 165 million years, from the late Triassic period to the end of the Cretaceous period. They varied greatly in size, shape, and diet, inhabiting a wide range of environments across the globe. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Reptilian Ancestry: Dinosaurs belonged to a … Read more