There are several different layers in the soil along a bank of a creek. Two fossils are found in the bank, one near the bottom of the bank, close to the creek, and one higher up near the top. It can probably be said that
the fossil found near the bottom is older than the fossil found near the top.


the fossils are about the same age since they were found along the same creek.


the fossil found near the top is older than the fossil found near the bottom


the two different fossils are evidence of how animals adapt to their environment over time.