Relative dating is a method used by geologists and archaeologists to determine the age of rocks, fossils, and artifacts in relation to one another. It does not provide exact ages but instead establishes a sequence of events. By examining the layers of sedimentary rock, scientists can identify which layers are older or younger based on their position, with the principle of superposition indicating that lower layers are older than those above them. Another important concept in relative dating is faunal succession, which uses the presence of specific fossils to correlate the ages of rock layers. If a particular fossil is found in different locations, it can help establish that those layers were formed during the same time period. This technique allows researchers to create a timeline of Earth's history and understand the evolution of life.