Discuss William Smith’s principle of fossil succession. Why is this principle important in relative geologic dating? What will be an ideal response?


The student should discuss how William Smith recognized that particular fossils are only
found in strata of certain ages. This principle indicates that life has changed through time and
fossils can be used to determine relative ages by correlation. When later combined with the
theories of natural selection and evolution, geologists determined that life on Earth had
evolved and changed to fit environmental conditions through time.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

You might also like to view...

With slow-moving cold fronts, clouds and precipitation usually cover a broad area behind the front. When the ascending warm air is stable, ___________ clouds become the predominant cloud type

Fill in the blank with correct word.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Which of the following is true about authoritarian governments in the 1960s-1970s?

A) military control of Chile in 1973 B) economic stability and growth C) Argentina's "Dirty War" D) all of the above E) none of the above

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Discuss the origin and development of mammals during the Mesozoic. What will be an ideal response?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The following country has a very large population, medium developing HMI ranking, and exhibits considerable inequality in HDI within its country

A) Madagascar B) Mexico C) India D) United States E) Russia

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences