What do layers of natural and human-generated deposits in archaeology reveal?

The correct answer highlights the significance of stratigraphy in archaeology, which refers to the layers of natural and human-generated deposits found at archaeological sites. These layers reveal the sequence of events that have taken place over time, providing insights into how a site has formed and how various materials have accumulated.

By examining these deposits, archaeologists can understand the chronological relationship between different layers. This process allows them to infer how past human activities, environmental changes, and natural processes contributed to the building-up of the site over time. This can include evidence of habitation, changes in land use, and even how certain materials were introduced or discarded.

While the other options touch on important aspects of archaeology, they do not capture the specific role that layers of deposits play in understanding site formation and material accumulation. For example, understanding how ancient civilizations developed or deducing the cultural practices of prehistoric people would rely on the analysis of multiple layers, but does not directly speak to the stratigraphic evidence itself as well as option C does. Option B, while related to dating artifacts, does not emphasize the broader implications of how the layers inform us about the site's history and evolution.