Question

how can faunal succession and the law of superposition both help to create a view of past environments?

Explanation:

Faunal succession involves fossil species' chronological order. The Law of Superposition states younger rock layers are on top. Together, they help date rock layers. Fossils in layers (via faunal succession) and layer order (Law of Superposition) show past environments. For example, marine fossils in a layer (via faunal succession) and layer's position (Law of Superposition) indicate a past marine environment.

Answer:

Faunal succession (fossil species order) and the Law of Superposition (rock - layer order) help date rock layers. Fossils in layers (from faunal succession) and layer position (from the Law of Superposition) reveal past environments. For instance, marine fossils in a layer (due to faunal succession) and the layer's place (by the Law of Superposition) imply a past marine setting.