Question

read the passage and then answer the question. sedimentary rock forms in layers over time. when the layers form, plant and animal remains can create fossils in the rock. older rock layers are usually found deeper underground. unfortunately, movements of earths tectonic plates can cause some older layers to appear higher than younger layers. this movement makes determining the age of rocks challenging. however, geologists can use fossils to help them decipher the age of rock layers. this is why fossils are so important. what is the meaning of decipher as used in the passage? figure out change hide erase

Explanation:

In the passage, geologists use fossils to determine or figure out the age of rock layers. "Decipher" here means to find out or understand something that is initially unclear, which is closest in meaning to "figure out".

Answer:

figure out