Question

Select the statement(s) that accurately describe ways to observe Earth's change over time.

Most of the rock on Earth's surface is sedimentary rock.

Earth's moving tectonic plates have created mountain ranges and ocean trenches.

Relative dating is used to determine the age of rock or fossils compared to other rock or fossils.

Only bones of ancient dead animals can eventually become fossils.

In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest rock is on the bottom and the youngest rock is on the top.

Answer 1

Correct statements: 1, 2, 3, and 5.

Brief reasons:
- Most surface rock is sedimentary: sedimentary rocks commonly form the outer layers exposed at Earth’s surface.
- Plate tectonics creates mountains and trenches: plate collisions and subduction build mountain ranges and ocean trenches.
- Relative dating compares ages: it orders rocks/fossils by age (older vs. younger) without giving numeric ages.
- Only bones can become fossils — is false: many things can fossilize (shells, plants, footprints, soft tissues in rare cases, etc.).
- In undisturbed layers, oldest on bottom: follows the law of superposition.