Four Sediment Cores Were Removed from the Floor of an Inland

question 42

Multiple Choice

Four sediment cores were removed from the floor of an inland sea. The sea was in existence intermittently throughout the entire time that terrestrial life has existed. Researchers wish to locate and study the terrestrial organisms fossilized in these cores. In the diagram, the cores are illustrated as vertical columns, with the top of the column representing the most recent strata and the bottom representing the time when land was first colonized by life. Which of the following factors would best allow a researcher to assign absolute dates to the fossils in the sediments?

• A) knowledge of the order in which the fossils were deposited
• B) knowledge that the sediments had not been affected by underwater currents during their deposition
• C) presence of volcanic ash layers between the sedimentary strata
• D) equal spacing of fossils throughout the columns

---

Definitions:

Lymphatic System

Organ system consisting of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic organs; transports lymph and lipids, and aids the immune system.

Tissue Fluid

Also known as interstitial fluid, it surrounds the cells of tissues, providing a medium for the exchange of substances between blood and cells.

Fats

Organic compounds consisting of triglycerides that are solid at room temperature, serving as a major energy store in the body.

Breast Cancer

A type of cancer that develops from breast tissue, manifesting through a lump in the breast, changes in breast shape, or alterations in skin texture.