What does faunal succession indicate about sedimentary rock strata?

Faunal succession refers to the principle that different layers of sedimentary rock contain distinct fossils that appear in a specific, recognizable order throughout geological time. This means that certain species of flora and fauna enable geologists to determine the relative ages of the rock layers, as specific organisms thrived during particular geological periods.

By understanding this succession, scientists can correlate rock strata from different locations based on the fossils they contain. For example, if a sedimentary layer in one geographic area contains a specific type of trilobite, and a layer in another area also contains that same trilobite, geologists can infer that those layers were formed during the same geological time frame. This principle not only helps establish the chronological sequence of life forms but also assists in dating the sedimentary rock strata based on the presence of these fossils.

This understanding is complemented by the realization that while sedimentary rocks do contain minerals arranged in layers, the presence and order of fossilized remains are what specifically relates to faunal succession. Thus, the correct choice highlights the critical role of fossil evidence in deciphering the history of life on Earth and the geological timeline.