Here of some of the well-tested methods of dating used in the study of early humans: Potassium-argon dating, Argon-argon dating, Carbon-14 (or Radiocarbon), and Uranium series.

What dating method would is best for determining the age of an ancient human skeleton?

RADIOCARBON DATING RADIOCARBON DATING In archaeological research, radiocarbon is the most widely applied and best established dating technique.

How are bones dated?

Fossil age is determined using two methods, relative dating and absolute dating. In relative dating, fossils are compared to similar fossils and rocks, the ages of which are known. Absolute dating, on the other hand is used to calculate the precise age of fossils through radiometric dating.

How are ancient fossils dated?

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.

At what age do bones stop growing?

Through the growing years, a layer of cartilage (the growth plate) separates each epiphyses from the bone shaft. Between 17 and 25 years, normal growth stops. The development and union of separate bone parts is complete.