What term is defined as using annual growth rings to assign calendar ages to ancient wood samples?

What term is defined as using annual growth rings to assign calendar ages to ancient wood samples?

• A. Broadleaf
• B. Annual Ring
• C. Dendrochronology
• D. Increment Borer

Answer: (C)

Dendrochronology is the practice of dating wood by examining its growth rings. Each year a tree typically adds a new ring, and the width and pattern of these rings reflect environmental conditions during that year. By counting rings you can determine how old the wood is, and by cross-dating—matching the pattern of wide and narrow rings to a known master chronology—you can assign precise calendar years to each ring in the sample. This is why dendrochronology is used to date ancient wood and synchronize different samples in time. Broadleaf refers to a type of tree with broad leaves, not a dating method. An annual ring is simply a single growth ring from one year, not the dating technique. An increment borer is a tool used to extract a wood core for ring analysis, not the method of dating.

Dendrochronology is the practice of dating wood by examining its growth rings. Each year a tree typically adds a new ring, and the width and pattern of these rings reflect environmental conditions during that year. By counting rings you can determine how old the wood is, and by cross-dating—matching the pattern of wide and narrow rings to a known master chronology—you can assign precise calendar years to each ring in the sample. This is why dendrochronology is used to date ancient wood and synchronize different samples in time.

Broadleaf refers to a type of tree with broad leaves, not a dating method. An annual ring is simply a single growth ring from one year, not the dating technique. An increment borer is a tool used to extract a wood core for ring analysis, not the method of dating.