Which principle of stratigraphy could be used to determine the relative ages of Layer 7 and Layer 3?
A)the principle of fossil succession
B)the principle of original horizontality
C)the principle of lateral continuity
D)the principle of inclusions

Question

Which principle of stratigraphy could be used to determine the relative ages of Layer 7 and Layer 3? 
A)the principle of fossil succession 
B)the principle of original horizontality 
C)the principle of lateral continuity 
D)the principle of inclusions

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of fossil succession states that fossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and predictable order, so by examining the fossils in Layers 7 and 3, we can determine their relative ages. Choice B, the principle of original horizontality, would be relevant if we needed to determine whether the layers had been disturbed or tilted since their deposition. Choice C, the principle of lateral continuity, would be relevant if we needed to determine whether the two layers were once continuous and have since been separated by erosion. Choice D, the principle of inclusions, would be relevant if we needed to determine whether the materials within the two layers were derived from the same source.

Which Principle of Stratigraphy Could Be Used to Determine the Relative