Which statement explains why ammonites are a good example of an index fossil?(1 point)

Responses

Ammonites existed only in the oceans.
Ammonites existed only in the oceans.

Ammonites existed long before the dinosaurs.
Ammonites existed long before the dinosaurs.

Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time.
Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time.

Ammonites existed in a small geographic area.

1 answer

The statement that explains why ammonites are a good example of an index fossil is:

Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time.

This characteristic allows geologists to use ammonites to date the rock layers in which they are found, as their short temporal range can help indicate the age of the surrounding strata.