Question

Fossils of coral, mollusks, and conch shells have been found in Tennessee. The fossils are similar to modern organisms that can be found today. The table describes the environment of the modern organisms.



Modern Organism Environment
Coral reefs Tropical waters
Mollusks Marine environments
Conch shells Warm ocean floors




What knowledge of Tennessee's past does the discovery of the fossils support?


Tennessee was a dry desert.


Tennessee had more mountains.


Tennessee had a very cold climate.


Tennessee was covered in ocean water.

Answer 1

Tennessee was covered in ocean water.

These marine fossils (coral, mollusks, conchs) indicate the area was once a sea or ocean environment where those organisms lived.