Question

A geologist is studying an ancient stack of rock layers. Most of the layers contain fossils of shallow marine creatures (clams, corals, etc.), suggesting the layers formed in a shallow ocean environment. But at the top of the stack, there is a layer that could only have been deposited by a river.

What does this drastic change in rock layers tell the geologist about Earth's history in the area where these layers formed? (Assume the layers have not changed position since they formed.)

Answer 1

New rock layers are deposited in horizontal layers on top of older rock layers. Therefore, fossils found in lower layers are older than fossils found in the layers above. The clues found in fossil layers provide valuable information about how Earth's organisms and the Earth itself have changed over time.

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