Scientists are studying a layer of sedimentary rock and discover what appears to be ripples made by running water preserved in the rock. When comparing those ripples to some made in mud at a present day location, they notice that the effects are identical.

Based on the observations, which of the following is most likely to be true?
A.
The environment and conditions of both areas are exactly the same.
B.
Events that occurred in the past were dramatically different from those of today.
C.
The mud at the present day location is actually from the same time period as the rock.
D.
Some events that occurred in the past are similar or identical to events in the present.