asked of

[mengta]

One of the most common questions asked of those who study paleontology is how we know the age of a particular fossil.

I don't understand the meaning of the sentence.
does it mean students ask a question or students are requested to answer it?
thanks

[Temico]

It means that one of the most common questions which more people ask students of paleontology is, "How do you know the age of a particular fossil?"

[Nordic Bill]

In this sentence, it means those who study paleontology are most often asked this question, i.e. people ask the students this question.


Construction:

asked of a person = that person is asked a question (= passive)
asked by a person = that person has asked a question (= active)