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The location of fossils in the layers of Earth, known as the fossil record, can be used to learn about the history of Life on Earth. Scientists study patterns in the fossil record to help them understand changes in life forms throughout history. The location of fossils within Earth's layers creates a timeline that scientists can use to determine the existence of life and how organisms evolved.

The diagram shows three important eras of the fossil record and the types of fossils they contain.

Three eras—Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic—are shown from the bottom to the top of the diagram. Each era is divided into fossil layers. In the Paleozoic era at the bottom of the diagram, the fossil record shows invertebrates in the lowest fossil layer, then, as the layers move up, jawless fish, jawed fish, amphibians, and reptiles. In the Mesozoic era in the middle of the diagram, the fossil record shows only dinosaurs. In the Cenozoic era at the top of the diagram, the fossil record shows early mammals in the lower layers and modern mammals in the upper layer.

Multiple Choice Question
Which statement correctly compares fossils of invertebrates from the Paleozoic Era to fossils of dinosaurs from the Mesozoic Era?

A.
The invertebrate fossils are older, more diverse, and more complex than fossils of the dinosaurs.

B.
The invertebrate fossils are older, less diverse, and less complex than fossils of the dinosaurs.

C.
The invertebrate fossils are younger, more diverse, and more complex than fossils of the dinosaurs.

D.
The invertebrate fossils are younger, less diverse, and less complex than fossils of the dinosaurs.

1 answer

The correct answer is:

B. The invertebrate fossils are older, less diverse, and less complex than fossils of the dinosaurs.

Explanation:

  • The invertebrate fossils from the Paleozoic Era are older, as this era is at the bottom of the diagram and predates the Mesozoic Era.
  • Invertebrates are generally considered less complex compared to dinosaurs, which are a more advanced group of vertebrates.
  • The diversity of dinosaurs in the Mesozoic Era is significant compared to the types of invertebrates found earlier in the Paleozoic.