Multiple Choice
Which of the following is documented by the fossil record?
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24. History of Life on Earth
The Fossil Record
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Fossil A is found two layers of strata below a layer that contains volcanic ash. Fossil B is from a different organism and is found immediately above the layer of ash. The ash has been dated to be about 125 million years old. Which statement below is correct about the age of the fossils?
A
Fossil B is 125 million years old, but we have no information about the age of fossil A.
B
Fossil A must be older than 125 million years old, while fossil B is less than 125 million years old.
C
Fossil A must be younger than 125 million years old, but we have no information about the age of fossils found above the ash layer.
D
Fossil B must be older than fossil A, while fossil A must be less than 125 million years old.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the principle of stratigraphy, which states that in undisturbed layers of rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.
Identify the position of Fossil A and Fossil B in relation to the volcanic ash layer. Fossil A is found two layers below the ash, and Fossil B is found immediately above the ash.
Recognize that the volcanic ash layer has been dated to 125 million years old, providing a reference point for the age of the fossils.
Apply the principle of stratigraphy: Fossil A, being below the ash layer, must be older than 125 million years. Fossil B, being above the ash layer, must be younger than 125 million years.
Conclude that the correct statement is: Fossil A must be older than 125 million years old, while Fossil B is less than 125 million years old.
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