Question

Rock Layers and Fossil Evidence

Earth is made up of many rock layers. These layers pile up on each other over a long time. Scientists study the layers. They help scientists understand the earth’s history.



Rock breaks down over time. It breaks into smaller pieces. These pieces pile up over millions of years. This is how rock layers are made.



Rock layers have clues about the earth’s geography at that time. Fossils in the layers tell what kinds of plants and animals lived. They show if the area was land or covered in water.



The oldest rock layers are closest to the bottom. The newer ones are closer to the top.



Fossils are made when bits of plants or animals get buried in rock pieces. Over a long time the pressure turns the bits into stone. The stone still has the shape of the plant or animal piece. This is a fossil.



The oldest fossils are found in the bottom layers of rock. Newer fossils are found in layers near the top. This helps show when different types of plants and animals lived.



Sometimes there are strange patterns in the rock layers. This can be because a river cut through the rock layers over a long time. It can also be because and earthquake happened. Earthquakes can shake up the order of the rock layers.



Rock layers are very important. They tell scientists about the natural history of the earth. They help us learn how Earth has changed over time.

Why are rock layers important?


They are not important.


Rock layers are fun to look at.


They have strange patterns.


They tell scientists about the history of Earth.

Answer 1

They tell scientists about the history of Earth.

Explanation: Rock layers and the fossils in them record past environments and the ages of plants and animals, helping scientists understand how Earth has changed over time.