Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are considered to be fossil fuels because________ .
A) their oxygen and nitrogen content were derived from the ancient atmosphere
B) their energy content was derived from ancient sunlight
C) carbon dioxide, released when they burn, contributes to the greenhouse effect
D) coal beds and petroleum reservoir rocks contain abundant fossils

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Their energy content originates from ancient sunlight that was captured by plants through photosynthesis millions of years ago. These plants were then buried and transformed under high pressure and temperature over geological time scales into coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

Coal, Petroleum, and Natural Gas Are Considered to Be Fossil