Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 23 - Evolution of Genes and Genomes - 23.4 - Molecular Evolution Has Many Practical Applications - 23.4 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 504: 2

Answer

Radioactive isotopes naturally decay over time. This decay is measured in half-lives, or the amount of time for half of the existing quantity to decay and lose its radioactivity. By measuring the amount of a radioactive substance in a sample, scientists can estimate how long ago the sample was formed, given the material's known half-life.

Work Step by Step

Radioactive isotopes naturally decay over time. This decay is measured in half-lives, or the amount of time for half of the existing quantity to decay and lose its radioactivity. By measuring the amount of a radioactive substance in a sample, scientists can estimate how long ago the sample was formed, given the material's known half-life.
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