Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
If a scientist found a fish fossil in a desert, what can they most reasonably infer about the area's past environment?
A
The fossil was transported there by wind from another region.
B
Fish once lived in deserts without any water.
C
Fish evolved to survive in dry, arid conditions.
D
The area was once covered by water, such as a lake or sea.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the significance of finding a fish fossil: Fossils provide evidence of past life and environmental conditions. Fish are aquatic organisms, meaning they require water to survive.
Consider the environmental requirements for fish: Fish cannot survive in dry, arid conditions or deserts without water. Their presence in fossil form suggests that the area once had a suitable aquatic environment.
Evaluate the possibility of transportation: While fossils can sometimes be transported by geological processes, the presence of a fish fossil in a desert is more likely to indicate that the area was once covered by water rather than being transported by wind.
Infer the past environment: Based on the evidence, the most reasonable inference is that the desert area was once covered by water, such as a lake, river, or sea, which supported aquatic life.
Conclude the reasoning: The fossil serves as a clue to reconstruct the area's geological history, indicating that the environment was significantly different in the past, with conditions suitable for fish to thrive.