When hiking high in the mountains, you find fossil marine shells lying about. This provides evidence that
A) someone brought the shells to the top of the mountain.
B) shelled marine animals live on the top of mountains.
C) very high ocean waves brought the shells to the top of the mountain.
D) the mountain top was once under the ocean and has been uplifted.
E) marine animals are not restricted to living in the ocean. Observing marine fossils on mountaintops indicate that the land used to be underwater and has subsequently been uplifted.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Finding fossil marine shells on the top of a mountain is evidence that the area was once underwater and has been uplifted to its current elevation. This is a common occurrence in mountainous areas, where geological processes such as tectonic uplift can push ancient seabeds high above sea level. It is unlikely that the shells were brought to the top of the mountain by humans or by ocean waves, as these explanations would require significant effort or unusual circumstances. Similarly, it is not plausible that shelled marine animals currently live on the top of the mountain, as they would require a suitable habitat and food sources.

When Hiking High in the Mountains, You Find Fossil Marine