Question

The unique structure of diatoms is a hard, glass shell that remains even after the death of the organism. Many scientists theorize that millions of years ago, after diatoms died and settled to the ocean floor, they were buried by sediments. Over time, the heat and pressure of the sediment layers most likely resulted in the formation of —

A) Sedimentary rocks
B) Diamonds
C) Igneous rocks
D) Metamorphic rocks

Answer 1

The heat and pressure of sediment layers containing diatom silica dioxide remains most likely resulted in the formation of sedimentary rocks, specifically known as diatomite.

Option A is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Over millions of years, after diatoms with their unique silica dioxide cell walls died and settled to the ocean floor, they became buried by sediments. Given the involvement of heat and pressure, and the presence of these biogenic silica structures, the most likely geological formations that resulted from this process are sedimentary rocks. Specifically, extensive deposits of diatom remains are known as diatomite, a type of sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of diatom frustules. When considering heat, pressure, and the role of sediments, the correct answer is that diatoms could contribute to the formation of (A) Sedimentary rocks.