Question

Compare and contrast how archaeologists and paleoanthropologists date their discoveries.

Answer 1

Archaeologists

1. Using C-14 dating (Carbon 14)

Here we get to know the age of the organic artifact by checking the C14 to C13 ratio. The proportion of radioactive C14 in the atmosphere is nearly constant over the centuries. So the amount of intake of C14 by organisms is almost same during their lifetime. But they stop the intake of new carbon once they die. Hence the ratio of C14-C13 tells us how long it's been dead.

2. Thermoluminescence is another technique which is complex. Here the time that the Item is undisturbed is determined by detecting the trapped electrons.

Paleo anthropologists

1. Relative dating methods

a) Stratigraphy - It is based on superposition of geologic and cultural deposition

b) Biostratigraphy - based on evolutionary changes in fossils

2. Chronometric dating methods

a) Potassium-Argon

b) Carbon dating

They consider 1.Cranial differences 2.Dental differences 3.Locomotor differences 4.Secondary sexual characteristics also.