Question

At two separate dig sites, archaeologists find fossils for corals and single-celled eukaryotes. The coral fossils are found at a higher elevation than the single-celled eukaryote fossils. What can you conclude using this information? (1 point) Responses Corals came into existence earlier than single-celled eukaryotes. Corals came into existence earlier than single-celled eukaryotes. Single-celled eukaryotes do not exist anymore, but corals do. Single-celled eukaryotes do not exist anymore, but corals do. Corals came into existence later than single-celled eukaryotes. Corals came into existence later than single-celled eukaryotes. Single-celled eukaryotes exist, but corals have gone extinct.

Answer 1

Based on the information that coral fossils are found at a higher elevation than single-celled eukaryote fossils, we cannot definitively conclude the absolute timing of their existence in relation to each other. However, in stratigraphy, older fossils are typically found in lower layers of sediment, while younger fossils are found in higher layers.

Thus, given that coral fossils are found at a higher elevation, it is reasonable to conclude that corals came into existence later than single-celled eukaryotes. Therefore, the correct response is:

Corals came into existence later than single-celled eukaryotes.