Chapter 14, Problem 16A

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The age of the layer and about the Permian mass extinction.

Introduction:

Fossils are the evidences for the organisms that once existed on this planet. The fossils contain clues about the organism, like feces, bone, teeth, or wood. From fossils, scientists can determine the structure and lifestyle of that organism.

Explanation of Solution

The oldest flowering plant fossils are about 132 million years old. The Permian species ended about 250 million years ago. According to the law of superimposition, the oldest rocks are in the lower most layers. The new layer is laid down on top of existing layer of fossils in rock. Due to this, lowermost layer contains the oldest fossil remains. The Permian fossil rock layer must be below the recent flowering plants fossils, as this species got extinct many years ago.