Which radioactive isotope is commonly used for dating relatively recent fossils (up to about 50,000 years old)? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Which radioactive isotope is commonly used for dating relatively recent fossils (up to about 50,000 years old)?
A. Uranium-238
B. Rubidium-87
C. Potassium-40
D. Carbon-14
Answer: Option D
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Carbon-14 (radiocarbon) dating is used to determine the age of organic materials up to about 50,000 to 60,000 years old. Living organisms absorb Carbon-14 from the atmosphere. When they die, absorption stops, and the Carbon-14 decays at a known rate (half-life of 5,730 years). By measuring the remaining Carbon-14, the age of the fossil can be calculated.

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Question #1
The organ that secretes the hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is the:
A. Liver
B. Heart
C. Kidney
D. Adrenal gland

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
ANP is secreted by atrial muscle cells of the heart in response to stretching (high blood volume). It promotes sodium and water excretion, lowering blood pressure. Kidneys secrete renin, adrenal aldosterone, liver angiotensinogen.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of all Chordates?
A. Presence of a notochord at some stage of life
B. Ventral nerve cord
C. Exoskeleton made of chitin
D. Open circulatory system

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
All chordates, at some point during their larval or adult stages, possess three key features: a dorsal hollow nerve cord, a notochord (a flexible rod supporting the body), and pharyngeal slits. The notochord may be replaced by a vertebral column in vertebrates. Arthropods have a ventral nerve cord and open circulatory system.

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Question #3
Consider statements about ecology: 1. Producers form the base of the food chain. 2. Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. 3. Energy flows bidirectionally in a food chain. Which are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Producers (autotrophs like green plants) form the first trophic level and the base of all food chains, converting solar energy into chemical energy. Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down dead organic matter and waste, releasing essential inorganic nutrients back into the soil for producers to use, thus completing the nutrient cycle. Energy flow in an ecosystem is strictly unidirectional, moving from the sun to producers and then to consumers, and is eventually lost as heat; it does not flow bidirectionally. Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

This question belongs to: Science Biology