"OBJECTIVE: Investigate the diversity of living organisms and how they can be compared scientifically.SECTION 1 Vocabulary: EVIDENCE OF THE PAST * FOSSIL- the trace or remains of an organism that lived long ago, most commonly preserved in sedimentary rock.* RELATIVE DATING- any method of determining whether an event or object is older or younger than other events or objects.* ABSOLUTE DATING- any m" . . . . .