Which of the following statements about the fossil record is correct?
A)The fossil record includes more organisms that were abundant,or lived for long periods on Earth,than it is with those that lived for short periods of time and then became extinct.
B)The fossil record is richer with organisms that are the same ones as currently common and living on Earth today.
C)The fossil record is richer with organisms that resemble organisms that are those alive today.
D)A fossil of a rain forest snake would not be found in an area on Earth that is currently a desert.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fossil record is more likely to include organisms that were abundant or lived for long periods because these organisms had a higher chance of being preserved as fossils. Organisms that lived for short periods or were rare are less likely to be found in the fossil record. Choices B and C are incorrect because the fossil record contains many organisms that are not alive today, reflecting the Earth's changing biodiversity over time. Choice D is incorrect because the Earth's climate and geography have changed significantly over time, so fossils can be found in locations that had very different environmental conditions when the organisms lived.

Which of the Following Statements About the Fossil Record Is