Todays knowledge of fossil ages comes primarily from radiometric dating, also known as radioactive dating. Radiometric dating relies on the properties of isotopes. These are chemical elements, like carbon or uranium, that are identical except for one key feature -- the number of neutrons in their nucleus.

Why is carbon 14 used to date dinosaur bones?

Conclusions. Mesozoic dinosaur bones are millions of years old, as demonstrated by radiometric dating with radioisotopes other than 14C. Radiocarbon in Mesozoic dinosaur bones is new, not original to the bone. Its addition to the bones yields the false appearance of a young age.

What type of dating is used to date fossils?

radiometric dating To establish the age of a rock or a fossil, researchers use some type of clock to determine the date it was formed. Geologists commonly use radiometric dating methods, based on the natural radioactive decay of certain elements such as potassium and carbon, as reliable clocks to date ancient events.