Which statement explains why ammonites are a good example of an index fossil?(1 point)
Responses
Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time.
Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time.
Ammonites existed in a small geographic area.
Ammonites existed in a small geographic area.
Ammonites existed long before the dinosaurs.
Ammonites existed long before the dinosaurs.
Ammonites existed only in the oceans.
Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time.
The statement that explains why ammonites are a good example of an index fossil is: "Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time."
The correct statement that explains why ammonites are a good example of an index fossil is: "Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time."
To arrive at this answer, let's understand the concept of an index fossil. An index fossil is a species that is widely distributed and existed for a short period of time. It helps geologists determine the age of rock layers in different locations.
By looking at the list of responses, we can eliminate "Ammonites existed in a small geographic area" and "Ammonites existed only in the oceans" since they do not directly relate to the concept of limited time period.
Now, let's look at the remaining options, "Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time" and "Ammonites existed long before the dinosaurs." While both statements may be true, the key characteristic of an index fossil is the limited time period. Therefore, the statement "Ammonites existed for a relatively limited period of time" is the correct explanation of why ammonites are a good example of an index fossil.