A geologist recorded fossil data for three different organisms found in a rock layer: Fossil X: existed 510 to 250 million years ago, is found in very few locations, and has unique fossil features.Fossil Y: existed 100 to 65 million years ago, is found in many different locations, and has unique fossil features.Fossil Z: existed 400 million years ago to present day, is found in many different locations, and has similar features to other fossils.Part AWhich statement best explains which fossil the geologist should use to compare the rock layer to other layers and estimate when the layers were deposited?
Question
A geologist recorded fossil data for three different organisms found in a rock layer: Fossil X: existed 510 to 250 million years ago, is found in very few locations, and has unique fossil features.Fossil Y: existed 100 to 65 million years ago, is found in many different locations, and has unique fossil features.Fossil Z: existed 400 million years ago to present day, is found in many different locations, and has similar features to other fossils.Part AWhich statement best explains which fossil the geologist should use to compare the rock layer to other layers and estimate when the layers were deposited?
Solution
The geologist should use Fossil Y to compare the rock layer to other layers and estimate when the layers were deposited. Here's why:
-
Age: Fossil Y is younger than Fossil X and older than some instances of Fossil Z. This makes it a good middle ground for comparison.
-
Distribution: Fossil Y is found in many different locations. This wide distribution increases the chances of finding the same fossil in different rock layers, which is crucial for comparison.
-
Unique Features: Fossil Y has unique fossil features. This uniqueness makes it easier to identify in different rock layers, reducing the chances of misidentification.
Therefore, considering these factors, Fossil Y would be the best choice for the geologist to use for comparison and estimation of when the layers were deposited.
Similar Questions
The principle of fossil succession states thatGroup of answer choicesevery rock layer contains only one species of fossil.every fossil species spans only a limited range of rock layers, corresponding to the time period over which it lived.fossil species found in rock are the same as species living today.the same fossil assemblages appear throughout geologic time in a repeating intervals.
Scientists can estimate the ages of rock if they contain certain __________. A. sediments B. carbons C. minerals D. index fossils
Fossils present in ______ layers of rock are older, according to the principle of superposition.Multiple choice question.lightersandierlowerhigher
Which statement explains what the geologist will most likely see when comparing fossils for different species of the organism selected in Part A?
Which statement explaining the age of the rock layers best supports the answer to Part A? ARock layers that contain fossils are always the oldest rock layers and can be used to determine the ages of rock layers above them.BGeologic events like earthquakes can erase rock layers from the geologic timescale and make it difficult to know the ages of different rock layers.COlder rock layers will always be directly below younger rock layers unless they have been disturbed by geologic activity.DRock layers that are the thickest are the oldest because they represent a longer span of time in which the rock layer was formed
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.