Which can be excluded due to the absence of fossil records?(1 point)

Responses

the shell of a snail
the shell of a snail

the shell of a crab
the shell of a crab

a dinosaur's backbone
a dinosaur's backbone

the body of a jellyfish

the body of a jellyfish

Based on the information provided, the body of a jellyfish can be excluded due to the absence of fossil records.

To determine which option can be excluded due to the absence of fossil records, we need to understand how fossilization occurs. Fossilization is a rare event that requires specific conditions for the preservation of an organism or its remains. Typically, hard parts like shells, bones, and teeth have a higher chance of being preserved as fossils, while soft tissues decompose and are less likely to be fossilized.

In this case, we have the following options:

1. The shell of a snail: Snails have hard shells, and these are frequently found as fossils. Therefore, the presence of snail shells in the fossil record is relatively common. So, we cannot exclude this option due to the absence of fossil records.

2. The shell of a crab: Similar to snails, crabs also possess hard shells that have a good potential for fossilization. Therefore, we cannot exclude this option due to the absence of fossil records.

3. A dinosaur's backbone: Dinosaurs are well-known for their large and sturdy bones, which have the potential for fossilization. Many dinosaur fossils, including backbones, have been discovered. Thus, we cannot exclude this option due to the absence of fossil records.

4. The body of a jellyfish: Unlike snails, crabs, and dinosaurs, jellyfish have soft bodies that rapidly decompose after death, leaving little chance for fossilization. This makes it unlikely to find a complete fossilized body of a jellyfish. Therefore, due to the absence of fossil records, we can conclude that the body of a jellyfish can be excluded as an option.

Hence, the body of a jellyfish is the option that can be excluded due to the absence of fossil records.