Which idea associated with relative dating helped inspire Charles Darwin's work on evolution?

• A. The use of carbon-14 dating to determine the age of ancient fossils
• B. The idea that all fossils are the same age regardless of their location
• C. The concept of radioactive decay as a method for determining absolute ages of rocks
• D. The principle of superposition, which states that in undisturbed rock layers, older layers are found below younger layers

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the principle of superposition: This principle states that in undisturbed layers of sedimentary rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom, and the youngest layers are at the top. This concept is fundamental to relative dating.
2. Recognize how relative dating differs from absolute dating: Relative dating does not provide an exact age but instead determines the sequence of events or the relative age of rock layers and fossils within them.
3. Connect the principle of superposition to Darwin's work: Darwin was inspired by the idea that fossils found in different layers of rock represent organisms from different time periods, showing a progression of life forms over time.
4. Consider how the principle of superposition supports evolutionary theory: By observing changes in fossilized organisms across rock layers, scientists can infer gradual changes and adaptations over time, which aligns with Darwin's concept of evolution by natural selection.
5. Reflect on the broader implications: The principle of superposition provided a framework for understanding Earth's history and the timeline of life, which was crucial for Darwin's development of his evolutionary ideas.