Free Practice Question
CR · Critical Reasoning
605-655
Conclusion
Geologists face challenges in accurately reconstructing ancient Ordovician environments, as many species from that period did not possess durable skeletal structures. When an organism dies, its soft tissues decompose quickly, leaving primarily the more resilient components, such as bones, shells, or teeth. If the organism is buried promptly after death, these components can undergo fossilization. However, if an organism lacked durable skeletal structures, its remains may only fossilize under rare conditions. Based on this information, which of the following can be logically inferred from these statements?
Answer Choices
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Some organisms from the Ordovician period may not have left any evidence in the fossil record.
B
There were fewer species with durable skeletal structures than those with only soft tissues during the Ordovician period.
C
All Ordovician organisms that lacked bones or shells have left no evidence in the fossil record.
D
In an Ordovician environment with hard-shelled brachiopods and soft-bodied jellyfish, only the brachiopods would be found in the fossil record.
E
It is impossible to accurately reconstruct ancient Ordovician environments.
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D
DianaMar 25, 2025
Thank you very much!
Details
Difficulty
605-655
Type
CR