The evolution of new traits is possible because of
A selection can anticipate future environmental changes
B mutation and recombination during sexual reproduction produce new genotypes
C selection can act on the expression of existing traits in new tissue or at new development periods leading to novel functions
D the last two are both reasons why selection can lead to new traits

relative dating involves things like higher layers are most recent than rocks lower in the sequence. this can be extended to the known sequence of fossils. rocks containing rabbit fossils are later than those containing dinosaur fossils.  

absolute dating methods mainly use radioactive elements that have known rates of decay and produce recognizable products. for example potassium 40 decays to produce argon. once a rock has solidified the argon is trapped. by measuring the argon and potassium0 you can get an accurate number for the age.  

some other methods are good for archaeological ages. dendrochronology involves recognizing the sequence of tree rings. the orientation of magnetized particles in baked clay can be used to date a fire.

hope this .. .