Fossils of dinosaurs and mammoths never appear in the same layer of sedimentary rock, and mammoth fossils appear in the younger layers. To explain these observations, geologists cite _____.

Question

A.
the theory of evolution

B.
the law of superposition

C.
the principle of cross-cutting relationships

D.
the law of uniformitarianism

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. the law of superposition.

The law of superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, older layers are found beneath younger layers. This explains why mammoth fossils, which are found in younger layers, do not appear in the same layers as dinosaur fossils, which are found in older layers.