By studying fossils, paleontologists learn about animals and plants of the past. definition contrast synonym cause/effect example

The answer is option 4: Cause/Effect

The statement shows the principle of cause and effect. This principle refers to the combination of action and reaction, or the relationship between events, things or actions, where one is the result (Effect) of one or several elements (the cause). In this case, the cause is to study fossils, the result or outcome of "the studying fossils" is the knowledge acquisition of animals and plants of the past.

the underlined phrase is an example of : understatment