Which describes the law of superposition used to find the relative age of fossils in rocks?(1 point)

Responses

Fossils of the same organism found at different locations formed in similar climates.
Fossils of the same organism found at different locations formed in similar climates.

Fossils were formed during a time when chemical processes operated differently.
Fossils were formed during a time when chemical processes operated differently.

Fossils inside a layer of a rock are older than the surrounding rocks.
Fossils inside a layer of a rock are older than the surrounding rocks.

Fossils in bottom layers are older than fossils in top layers.
Fossils in bottom layers are older than fossils in top layers.

Fossils in bottom layers are older than fossils in top layers.

The correct answer is: Fossils in bottom layers are older than fossils in top layers. This describes the law of superposition, which is used to determine the relative age of fossils in rocks.

The correct answer is: "Fossils in bottom layers are older than fossils in top layers."

To determine the relative ages of fossils in rocks, geologists use the law of superposition. This law states that in a series of undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the younger rock layers are found on top of older rock layers. Therefore, fossils found in the bottom layers of rocks are generally older than those found in the top layers. This principle is based on the idea that, over time, new layers of sediment accumulate on top of older layers, preserving a record of the history of life on Earth. By examining the position of fossils in rock layers, scientists can determine their relative ages.