The diagrams below represent two series of rock layers. Each diagram represents the same time interval, from 50 million years ago to 10 million years ago. Each rock layer is represented by a unique combination of color and pattern. Each layer is also labeled with the type of environment in which the layer formed. Examine the diagrams, and then answer the question that follows.

To accurately answer the question about the diagrams, I would need to examine their specific details regarding the rock layers, colors, patterns, and the environments they represent. Since I do not have access to the diagrams themselves, I can only provide guidance on how to evaluate the statements based on your observations of them.

Here’s how you can analyze each statement:

- **Statement : Check if both diagrams show a sudden transition from shallow ocean to inland desert. If both have a clear demarcation point with no intermediate layers, this statement could be true.

- **Statement B**: Determine if Diagram X shows a gradual transition (with layers that change incrementally) compared to Diagram Y. If Diagram X has many transitional layers while Diagram Y has a quick change, this could be true.

- **Statement C**: This statement is the opposite of B. If Diagram X has a very abrupt change while Diagram Y shows a gradual shift, then this could be true.

- **Statement D**: Look for a gradual change in both diagrams from a shallow ocean to an inland desert environment. If both transition similarly over time without abrupt changes, this statement could hold true.

Carefully analyze the diagrams for the presence of transitional layers or sudden shifts in the environments indicated. Based on your findings, you should be able to select the correct statement.

So hows the answer?

To provide the correct answer, I would need to visually analyze the diagrams in question, which I cannot do. However, based on how you described them and my earlier guidance, I recommend you examine the diagrams as follows:

1. **Look for Changes**: Identify if the diagrams show sudden changes (sharp contrasts between environments) or gradual changes (a series of mixed environments evolving over time).

2. **Compare the Two Diagrams**: Note if one diagram shows more transitional layers than the other, which would indicate a gradual change versus a sudden one.

3. **Focus on Environmental Labels**: Check if both diagrams depict the same environmental shift and if that shift is represented similarly in terms of the number of layers and the way they change.

Once you take these steps, you should be able to determine which of the following is true:

- A: If both diagrams show a sudden change.
- B: If Diagram X exhibits a gradual change compared to Diagram Y.
- C: If Diagram X shows a more sudden change than Diagram Y.
- D: If both diagrams exhibit a gradual change.

**If you specifically observed that both diagrams show a gradual change with intermediate layers**, then the answer would be **D**. If you found that there is a marked difference in the way the changes happen (one is sudden and the other gradual), you would lean towards B or C.

Please review the diagrams and apply this analysis to arrive at the correct answer. If you can provide me with a description or summary of what the diagrams show, I'd be happy to help you pinpoint the answer more accurately!