Question

What is a species that disappears from the geological record for an extended period of time (millions of years) and then reappears?

1) Extinct species
2) Endangered species
3) Fossil species
4) Reintroduced species

Answer 1

A species that vanishes from the geological record for millions of years and then reappears is termed a "fossil species" due to its extended absence and subsequent reappearance.So the correct option is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

A species that vanishes from the geological record for millions of years and then reappears is termed a "fossil species."

These organisms have an extensive temporal gap in their presence within the fossil record.

Typically, they are believed to have gone extinct and were absent from the record until later discoveries revealed their reappearance in more recent geological strata.

The gap might result from various factors, including limited fossilization opportunities or a genuine absence from the ecosystem due to extinction.

Later findings, through new discoveries or improved techniques, often unveil previously unknown or overlooked fossils, elucidating the species' reappearance after an extended absence.

This pattern of extinction, disappearance from the record, and subsequent rediscovery sheds light on the evolving nature of our understanding of ancient life and the complexity of the geological record.

So the correct option is 3.