DAT High Yield Biology Practice Test 2025 - Free Biology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Earth is estimated to be about 4.5 billion years old, based on various forms of scientific evidence, including radiometric dating of the oldest rocks and minerals on Earth as well as meteorites that have fallen to Earth. Specifically, the oldest terrestrial rocks, found in regions like Greenland and Australia, provide estimates that are close to this figure. Additionally, the Murchison meteorite, which is believed to have formed around the same time as the Earth, also supports this estimate.

The 4.5 billion-year timeline fits well within the context of the solar system's formation, indicating that the Earth formed shortly after the Sun. This comprehensive understanding incorporates both geological and astronomical data, leading scientists to converge on the conclusion that the age of the Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years. The other age estimates, though they represent significant geological periods, do not align with the current scientific consensus supported by extensive research and evidence in fields such as geology, astronomy, and planetary science.