a scientist discovers an index fossil in a layer of rock near the eastern coast of the united states. the…

a scientist discovers an index fossil in a layer of rock near the eastern coast of the united states. the scientist then finds another, identical index fossil in a layer of rock in the united kingdom. which conclusion is best supported by these fossil discoveries? a the organism in the index fossil evolved independently in the two different areas. b the two rock layers were deposited at approximately the same time. c the rock deposition rate was identical in the two different areas. d the index fossil can be found in multiple layers of sediment all over the world.

a scientist discovers an index fossil in a layer of rock near the eastern coast of the united states. the scientist then finds another, identical index fossil in a layer of rock in the united kingdom. which conclusion is best supported by these fossil discoveries? a the organism in the index fossil evolved independently in the two different areas. b the two rock layers were deposited at approximately the same time. c the rock deposition rate was identical in the two different areas. d the index fossil can be found in multiple layers of sediment all over the world.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

Index fossils are used to date rock layers. If the same index fossil is found in two different locations, it implies that the rock layers were deposited around the same time since the organism that formed the fossil lived during a specific, relatively short - time period. Option A is incorrect because identical index fossils are not likely to evolve independently. Option C is not directly related as rock - deposition rate is not indicated by the presence of the same index fossil. Option D is an over - generalization; just because it's found in two locations doesn't mean it's in multiple layers all over the world.

Answer:

B. The two rock layers were deposited at approximately the same time.