Final answer:
The fossil record will not be complete because most organisms do not fossilize well and because the specific conditions required for fossilization do not always occur (2). Additionally, the development of urban areas can prevent access to potential fossil sites.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Will the Fossil Record Never Be Complete?
The fossil record will never be complete primarily because most organisms do not fossilize well. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past, but due to various factors, including the rapid decomposition of soft parts and the specific conditions required for fossilization, not all organisms become fossils. Many organisms decompose before they can be preserved, and hard parts like bones, teeth, or shells may not mineralize in time to form fossils. To be preserved, remains are often required to be quickly covered by sediments or be in an environment that inhibits decomposition, such as being frozen in glaciers or trapped in tree resin. Furthermore, the ongoing changes to the Earth, including urban development, make it challenging to access all potential fossil sites.
Paleontologists look for evidence of early organisms by searching for geological deposits that might contain fossils, dating back to when those organisms lived. The ability of organisms to hunt others has also influenced the fossil record, as predator-prey interactions can affect which organisms are more likely to be preserved as fossils.