Observe the picture. You are a paleontologist and have analyzed the rock strata below. What conclusions can you draw?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

plants evolved into fish
plants evolved into fish

this area has always been covered by an ocean
this area has always been covered by an ocean

the leaf fossil is older than either fish fossils
the leaf fossil is older than either fish fossils

there was a mass extinction event between layer II and III
there was a mass extinction event between layer II and III
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Answer 1

Based on the information you've provided about the rock strata and fossils, the most reasonable conclusion would be:

the leaf fossil is older than either fish fossils

This conclusion suggests that the presence of the leaf fossil in an older layer indicates plants existed before the fish fossils, which are typically found in younger geological layers, supporting the timeline of evolution.

If you have specific details about the layers and fossils, that could further refine the conclusions. However, without additional context, this conclusion aligns well with the general understanding of fossil stratigraphy and evolutionary history.