Question

Which of the following organisms would be most likely to be preserved in the geologic record?

A) the bones of a dinosaur that lived on semi-arid plains
B) a clam with a thick calcite shell that lived on a mudflat
C) a tree
D) a mussel that clings to rock outcrops in the surf zone

Answer 1

Option (B)

Step-by-step explanation:

For an organism to get preserve and form fossil, the organism must be comprised of a hard part and they should be immediately buried by the sediments after their death. The body of the organism must be detached from the oxygenated environment so that the body does not get damaged.

Mudflats usually refers to the coastal wetland areas that are commonly formed in the inter-tidal zone. They are also considered as the tidal flats. These mudflats are comprised of fine sediments that are carried from other places and are rich in organic matter and there is low or absence of oxygen. This helps in the preservation of fossils.

For example, clams with calcite shells that lived on the mudflat are most likely to be preserved in geological history.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).