Final answer:
Kerogen is the species composed of long-chain hydrocarbons often found in sediments and rocks as a precursor to petroleum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The species that is composed of long-chain hydrocarbons and is often found in sediments and rocks as a precursor to petroleum is Kerogen. Kerogen is an organic material that is found in sedimentary rocks and is the precursor to crude oil. It is made up of a complex mixture of long-chain hydrocarbons.