On the other side of the dig site, a fern fossil is visible in sandstone that is 70 million years old. What conclusion can you reach given this information?

Question

A fern fossil embedded in a tan rock. The fern looks similar to a feather

A
The area has remained unchanged since the ferns lived there

B
Ferns were the only plants living in the area 70 million years ago

C
The area must have had soil, sunlight, and rain 70 million years ago

D
Ferns were larger in size 70 million years ago than they are now
6
Locate this structure in the dig site. Use the Rock-O-Matic to determine which forces are responsible for this unusual formation.

A pyramid-shaped rock formation. There are 3 rock layers visible, all slanted towards the right. The lowest layer is gold, the middle layer is gray, and the top and largest layer is brown. A thick black rock branches upward from the ground, through the gray and brown rock layers.

A
Earthquakes and frequent landslides

B
Impact of a massive meteorite

C
Volcanic eruption and shifting land

D
Movement of large prehistoric animals

Answer 1

For the first part regarding the fern fossil in sandstone that is 70 million years old, the best conclusion would be:

C - The area must have had soil, sunlight, and rain 70 million years ago.

This is because ferns are non-flowering plants that require a certain type of environment with moisture and suitable conditions to thrive, which suggests that those conditions were present at that time.

For the second part regarding the pyramid-shaped rock formation with different layers, the most logical explanation would be:

C - Volcanic eruption and shifting land.

The presence of distinct rock layers and a thick black rock branching upwards suggests volcanic activity, which can create varied sedimentary layers and formations.