Question
Most fossils form in sedimentary rock. Which of the following best explains why fossils are most often found in sedimentary rock rather than igneous or metamorphic rock?
a
Sedimentary rock breaks apart most easily, so fossils inside are seen more often.
b
Molten rock burns up living organisms and fossilizes them as it cools.
c
Organisms fossilize as layers of sediments are deposited and rock forms.
d
Sedimentary rock forms on dry land and this is where most fossils are found.
a
Sedimentary rock breaks apart most easily, so fossils inside are seen more often.
b
Molten rock burns up living organisms and fossilizes them as it cools.
c
Organisms fossilize as layers of sediments are deposited and rock forms.
d
Sedimentary rock forms on dry land and this is where most fossils are found.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The best explanation for why fossils are most often found in sedimentary rock rather than igneous or metamorphic rock is:
**c. Organisms fossilize as layers of sediments are deposited and rock forms.**
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments, which often include organic materials. This process allows for the preservation of fossils, as organisms can be buried quickly by sediments before they decompose. In contrast, igneous rocks form from molten material (magma or lava) that would destroy organic material, and metamorphic rocks form under high pressure and temperature conditions that would also destroy fossils.
**c. Organisms fossilize as layers of sediments are deposited and rock forms.**
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments, which often include organic materials. This process allows for the preservation of fossils, as organisms can be buried quickly by sediments before they decompose. In contrast, igneous rocks form from molten material (magma or lava) that would destroy organic material, and metamorphic rocks form under high pressure and temperature conditions that would also destroy fossils.