You Find a New Fossil Deposit,containing Many Species with Shells

question 15

Multiple Choice

You find a new fossil deposit,containing many species with shells but no soft-bodied species.What is the most logical conclusion?

• A)There were no soft-bodied organisms at this time and location.
• B)Conditions were not right to fossilize soft-bodied organisms.
• C)There was a mass extinction event among hard-bodied,but not soft-bodied,species at this location.

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Definitions:

State of Nature

A term used in decision theory and statistics to refer to the actual but unknown condition or outcome of a particular phenomenon.

Decision Tree

A decision tree is a graphical representation used in decision analysis to display choices and their possible outcomes, including chance event outcomes, resource costs, and utility.

Opportunity Loss

The difference in value between the chosen option and the best possible option that was not chosen.

Optimal Alternative

The best or most effective option among a set of alternatives, under given conditions.