Scientists find a piece of rock that contains an ammonite. Which statement explains why ammonites are a good example of an index fossil?

Question

A.
Ammonites existed in a small geographic area.

B.
Ammonites existed only in the oceans.

C.
Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time.

D.
Ammonites existed long before the dinosaurs.

Answer 1

C. Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time.

This statement explains why ammonites are considered good index fossils. They lived during specific geological time periods and can be used to date the rock layers in which they are found, making them valuable for correlating the ages of different geological formations.