Why Are Fossils of Early Life on Earth Rarer Than

question 50

Multiple Choice

Why are fossils of early life on Earth rarer than fossils of plants and animals from the past few hundred million years?

• A)Life was far less abundant prior to a few hundred million years ago.
• B)Fossils could not form before there was oxygen in the atmosphere.
• C)Early organisms were microscopic and lacked skeletons and other hard structures that are most likely to be fossilized.
• D)We find fossils in sedimentary layers, and no sediments were deposited until just a few hundred million years ago.

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Definitions:

Random Sampling

A method of selecting a sample from a population in which each member has an equal chance of being chosen.

Accurate

Characterized by correctness or precision, often referring to information, measurements, or results that closely match the true or expected values.

Daily Activities

Consist of everyday tasks, routines, and duties that individuals engage in, ranging from professional responsibilities to personal care.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method in which subjects are observed in their natural environment without any manipulation or intervention by the observer.