Fossils of soft-bodied organisms are relatively rare because they
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 21 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 21
Fossils of soft-bodied organisms are relatively rare because they
A. were never common in the environments in which they lived.
B. lived in environments where sedime... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Fossils of soft-bodied organisms are relatively rare because they
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 21 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. were never common in the environments in which they lived.
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Answer
This option suggests that soft-bodied organisms were not abundant in their habitats, which could contribute to their rarity in the fossil record. However, it's not the primary reason for the scarcity of soft-bodied fossils.
Step 2
B. lived in environments where sedimentation did not occur.
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Answer
This option indicates that an absence of sedimentation would prevent fossils from being formed. While it is true that sedimentation is necessary for fossilization, this is not a defining reason for the rarity of soft-bodied fossils.
Step 3
C. are generally small in size.
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Answer
While size may play a role in fossilization opportunities, it does not inherently explain the rarity of fossilized soft-bodied organisms.
Step 4
D. readily decompose.
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Answer
This is the correct answer. Soft-bodied organisms decompose quickly compared to those with hard shells or skeletons, making it challenging for them to become fossilized. This decomposition is a significant factor in their scarcity in the fossil record.
