Final answer:
Relative dating is a method used in geology to determine the order of past events by comparing the ages of different artifacts and rock layers. It is based on the principle of superposition, which states that lower layers are older than upper layers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Relative dating is a method used in geology to determine the order of past events by comparing the ages of different artifacts and rock layers, without determining their actual age in years. It is based on the principle of superposition, which states that lower layers are older than upper layers. For example, if sample 1 is found beneath sample 2, then sample 1 is considered older.
Relative dating is a useful tool in determining the sequence of events in Earth's history. It helps geologists understand the relative ages of fossils and rock layers, and it is often used in conjunction with absolute dating methods to create a more complete picture of geological time.