Which of the following options correctly lists the varieties of life in the order that they appear in the geologic record, from earliest to most recent?
A) reptiles, land arthropods, plants and fungi on land, flowering plants
B) land arthropods, plants and fungi on land, flowering plants, reptiles
C) plants and fungi on land, land arthropods, reptiles, flowering plants
D) plants and fungi on land, land arthropods, flowering plants, reptiles

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fungi and plants were the first to colonize land, followed by land arthropods (such as spiders and insects) and then reptiles. Finally, flowering plants appeared much later in the geologic record. Choice A is incorrect because reptiles appeared after land arthropods and plants/fungi on land. Choice B is incorrect because it incorrectly places reptiles as the most recent variety of life to appear. Choice D is incorrect because it places flowering plants before land arthropods.

Which of the Following Options Correctly Lists the Varieties of Life