Law of Superposition

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What is the Law of Superposition?

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The Law of Superposition states that in any undisturbed sequence of rocks, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

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What is Pangaea?

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Pangaea is a supercontinent that existed in Earth's distant past, where all continents were joined together.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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Which rock layer contains the most recently evolved organisms?

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The topmost layer in a sequence of rock layers typically contains fossils of the most recently evolved organisms.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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According to the Law of Superposition, which layer is the youngest?

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The youngest layer is the one that is at the top of the sequence.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

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How do geologists determine the relative ages of rock layers?

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Geologists use the Law of Superposition, fossil records, and other principles to determine the relative ages of rock layers.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rock.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What is sedimentary rock?

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Sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, often containing fossils.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What does it mean for a rock layer to be 'undisturbed'?

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An undisturbed rock layer is one that has not been altered by geological events such as folding, faulting, or erosion.

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What is the significance of the fossil record in understanding Earth's history?

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The fossil record provides evidence of past life forms and helps scientists understand the evolution of species over time.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What is relative dating in geology?

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Relative dating is the method of determining the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another, rather than providing an exact age.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4