What is an example of relative dating in archaeology?

Relative dating in archaeology involves establishing the age of artifacts, fossils, or other archaeological finds in relation to one another, rather than providing an exact date. Estimating the age of fossils based on associated artifacts is a prime example of relative dating because it relies on the sequential relationship between objects found in the same stratigraphic layer or within close proximity to one another. By understanding the context in which the fossil is found, archaeologists can make inferences about its age compared to the artifacts, thus determining a relative timeline without needing to know absolute dates.

The other options all represent methods that provide absolute dating or chronological context. For instance, determining the specific age of a fossil using radiocarbon dating gives an exact year or range, making it an absolute dating technique. Similarly, using stratigraphy to identify the era of a volcanic eruption involves layers of deposits that can provide an absolute timeframe based on their position in the geological record. Finally, using tree rings to date ancient wood is also a form of absolute dating, as it provides a precise measure based on known annual growth cycles. These methods contrast with the relative dating approach where items are dated comparatively rather than through direct measurement.