James wants to estimate the absolute age of an animal fossil. however, test results show that the fossil doesn’t contain any atoms of carbon-14. what can james conclude about the lack of carbon-14?

Let's go down the list:

First choice: It is important to know that all animals have carbon-14. Carbon 14 is in the air in carbon dioxide molecules, which animals produce through cellular respiration. Therefore, there is always a small amount of carbon-14 in animals because it is in the food chain. Incorrect.

Second choice: Again, like the above - there will always be a small amount of carbon-14 in animals. Incorrect.

Third choice: It is not guaranteed. Finding another fossil nearby only can say that they lived together, not that they are matching fossils. Incorrect.

Fourth choice: It is not impossible to estimate the age of the fossil. Incorrect. Therefore, that brings us to the correct answer...

Fifth choice: Correct. Relative dating, while it will not give an exact age, can estimate the age of the fossil. James could take a look at the relative order of past events and estimate the age of the fossil that way.

Therefore, the correct answer is E.

not: both offer magnification to the atomic level.