Chapter 14, Problem 11A

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The manner in which the law of superposition helps the paleontologists in their work.

Introduction:

The law of superposition is a stratigraphy principle and it highlights that the oldest layer of sedimentary rock is present at the bottom, and the young layers are at the top. According to the law of superposition, a rock layer is older compared to the rock layer above it. Relative dating methodology is used when the layers of rocks are in their original sequence.

Explanation of Solution

The fossil records not only help the geologists, archaeologists and but also the paleontologists in placing species, and vital events in the proper geologic era. If any fossil is present in a particular rock layer, Paleontologists can calculate the rock layer, and age of the fossil can be found out through relative dating methodology. This is possible through the law of superposition which emphasizes the undisturbed layers of rock.