The laws of stratigraphy help geologists make inferences about the Earth's past. For example, the law of superposition states that older rocks are typically found farther down and younger rocks are typically found toward the top. Imagine finding a dinosaur fossil in layer of rock above another layer that has a trilobite fossil. You might infer from the law of superposition that the trilobite fossil is older. The law of lateral continuity states that layer of rock extend over large areas. Imagine finding rock layers that are similar in other ways but are now separated by a valley. You might infer from the law of lateral continuity that those areas used to be continuous. How does the author support the statement that the laws of stratigraphy help geologists make inferences? A by using statistics, including the number of times geologists use the laws of stratigraphy every day B by using specific examples of inferences that could be made using two laws of stratigraphy C by quoting a famous geologist who describes how the law of lateral continuity led to the discovery of the trilobite (D) by describing what we would not know without these laws
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The author supports the statement effectively by diving into specific examples that illustrate how the laws of stratigraphy guide geological inference. By highlighting the scenarios involving a dinosaur fossil found above a trilobite fossil and the interpretation of contiguous rock layers, the reader can clearly see how these principles are applied in practice and their importance to understanding Earth's history. Additionally, these examples serve to make the concept more relatable and memorable. Instead of just dry definitions, the author demonstrates the laws in action, which helps connect the dots for readers as to how geologists piece together the puzzle of our planet’s past through these layered stories written in rock.
