How is data organized in a relational database?

Data in a relational database is organized in tables, which are also referred to as relations. This structure allows for the storage of data in a two-dimensional format, where each table consists of rows and columns. Each row in a table represents a unique record, while each column represents a specific attribute or field of that record.

The use of tables enables relationships to be established between different sets of data, which enhances data integrity and enables complex queries. This tabular format is foundational to relational database management systems (RDBMS), facilitating efficient data organization, retrieval, and manipulation through the use of structured query languages (like SQL).

In contrast, other options indicate different types of data organization that do not align with relational database principles. Flat file formats imply a single-level structure without relationships between datasets. A linear sequence refers to a one-dimensional organization, which lacks the capability to represent complex relationships inherent in relational databases. Unstructured layers suggest a format lacking defined structure, which does not conform to the systematic organization fundamental in relational databases.