If a particular fossil was found in Rock Layer B on the left side of a fault, and another fossil was found in rock layer E on the right side of a fault, which one would be older? How do you know? (Be sure to answer both parts of this: which is older, and how you know). Again, you will be using relative comparisons in your answer, for example this happened before this, or after this.

To determine which fossil is older, we need to consider the principles of relative dating and the effects of the fault.

1. Which is older?
   The fossil found in Rock Layer B on the left side of the fault would be older than the fossil found in Rock Layer E on the right side of the fault.

2. How do you know?
   In geology, when a fault occurs, it typically disrupts the layers of rock, causing the layers on either side to be displaced. If Rock Layer B is located on the left side of the fault and Rock Layer E is on the right side, this suggests that Rock Layer B (and its associated fossil) was already formed before the faulting event occurred. The layers on the right side, including Rock Layer E, are positioned after the fault had already been established, indicating that they are younger. Therefore, relative to the timing of the fault's formation, the fossil in Rock Layer B is older than the fossil in Rock Layer E.