The geologic time scale goes back 4.6 billion years. During that time, we have used fossil records to piece together the history of life on Earth as well as other events, such as climate changes and plate movements. Studying the fossils found in different rock layers can tell us which organisms existed together and in what order they lived.

Multiple Choice Question
Two fossils found in the rock layers are shown.

Which explanation best applies the rock layer phenomena to the relative age of these fossils?
A.
The relative age of the organisms from Fossils 1 or 2 cannot be determined because the rock layers are different.
B.
Fossil 1 is from an older organism than Fossil 2 because it appears in more than one rock layer.
C.
Fossil 2 is from an older organism than Fossil 1 because it first appears in a lower rock layer.
D.
Fossils 1 and 2 are from organisms
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The correct choice that best explains the relative age of the fossils based on the principles of sedimentary rock layers is:
C. Fossil 2 is from an older organism than Fossil 1 because it first appears in a lower rock layer.
In geology, the law of superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, older layers are located below younger layers. Therefore, if Fossil 2 is found in a lower rock layer compared to Fossil 1, it indicates that Fossil 2 is older.
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