9. how does knowledge of sedimentary rock formation help us to understand fossils?

Answer:

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments. Fossils are often found in sedimentary rocks because organisms can become trapped in the sediments as they are deposited. Understanding sedimentary rock formation helps us know the environmental conditions at the time of deposition, such as whether it was a marine or terrestrial environment. This, in turn, gives clues about the types of organisms that could have lived there and become fossilized. Also, the sequence of sedimentary rock layers (stratigraphy) can be used to determine the relative age of fossils. Older fossils are typically found in lower rock layers, while younger fossils are in higher layers.

Brief Explanations:

Sedimentary rock - fossil link, environmental clues, stratigraphy for age - determination.