Question

se the diagram showing a cross-section of a hill and the information below to answer the following question.



Scientists see three layers of rock exposed on the side of a hill. The bottom layer is sandstone with fossils of
a certain species of reptile found only in this geographic location. The middle layer is volcanic ash. The top
layer is mudstone (shale) with fossils of a different species of reptile.

The fossil evidence supports which hypothesis about the extinction of the older reptile species?

The older reptile species went extinct because sea levels rose and flooded its habitat.
The older reptile species went extinct because a predator was introduced into the environment.
The older reptile species went extinct because it could not compete with the younger reptile species.
The older reptile species went extinct because a volcanic eruption caused the environment to change.

Answer 1

Based on the information provided and the evidence from the layers of rock, the most supported hypothesis regarding the extinction of the older reptile species is:

**The older reptile species went extinct because a volcanic eruption caused the environment to change.**

This conclusion can be drawn from the presence of the middle layer of volcanic ash. Volcanic eruptions can drastically alter an environment, affecting the climate and availability of resources, potentially leading to the extinction of species that cannot adapt to the new conditions.

The other hypotheses (sea level rise, introduction of predators, or competition with younger species) are not directly supported by the geological evidence provided in this scenario.