Chapter 24 - The History of Life on Earth - 24.1 - Events in Earth's History Can Be Dated - 24.1 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 510: 1

Since older layers of strata are found deeper within the earth, scientists can determine the relative age of fossils by comparing them to the rock layers that are above or below the fossil. This method, called stratigraphy, explains how organisms in younger strata are more similar to living organisms than fossils in deeper, older strata.

Since older layers of strata are found deeper within the earth, scientists can determine the relative age of fossils by comparing them to the rock layers that are above or below the fossil. This method, called stratigraphy, explains how organisms in younger strata are more similar to living organisms than fossils in deeper, older strata.