Question

how does the stratification of fossils in the rock layers show evidence of evolution?
a. the fossils found at the deepest levels show the original species that created all other species.

b. the layers of rock will all contain the same type of fossils as structural changes in species are not possible.

c. the layers of rock contain variations of similar species that have changed over time.

d. the fossils found in deeper layers are most closely related to modern species.

Explanation:

• Option A: No single "original species" created all others; evolution is branching, so A is wrong.
• Option B: Species do undergo structural changes (evolution), so layers won't have same fossils. B is wrong.
• Option C: Fossil stratification shows similar species with changes over time (evolutionary progression), matching evolution theory.
• Option D: Deeper (older) fossils are less related to modern species; younger (shallower) are more related. D is wrong.

Answer:

C. The layers of rock contain variations of similar species that have changed over time.