The diagram shows some of the steps in the flow of energy through an ecosystem the arrows represent the transfer of energy label each arrow with the type of energy being transferred. (Thermal is also an option.)

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 .. .

protist eukaryotes that are not plants, animals, or fungi ("misfits")

yes? sounds right, but you didn’t ask a question.