If a Mastodon dies while walking along a river,what needs to happen in order to preserve the body as a fossil?
A) A drought must occur so that sediment can be blown over the body.
B) A flood must occur so that sediment can wash over the body.
C) No changes are necessary; it will be preserved just by being near a river.
D) The body must be carried away by scavengers to another location.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order for a Mastodon's body to be preserved as a fossil, it must be buried quickly by sediment. A flood is the most likely event to deposit the necessary sediment over the body. A drought would not provide enough moisture for sediment to be blown over the body, and scavengers carrying away the body would prevent it from being buried in sediment. Just being near a river is not enough to ensure fossilization.

If a Mastodon Dies While Walking Along a River,what Needs