Final answer:
The principle that states the oldest sedimentary rock layers are at the bottom, and the youngest at the top is known as the law of superposition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle that describes the age relationship between sedimentary rock layers or strata, where the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top, is known as the law of superposition. This concept is not only important in geology but is also used in archaeology, where artifacts found in lower strata are deemed to be older than those in higher strata. The application of this principle in analyzing rock layers provides a relative chronological sequence of events and is essential for understanding the Earth's geological history and the progression of life on the planet.