3
QuizMultiple Choice

Fossils

Question 3 • FHS 2016 TX-Earth and Space Science

The calico scallop is an index fossil. It is well documented to have lived 1.8 million years ago. Therefore, the approximate age of the rock in which this fossil is found is

Answer
A
0.9 million years.
B
1.8 million years.
C
3.6 million years.
D
5.4 million years.

Explanation

An index fossil helps estimate the age of the rock layer in which it is found because it lived during a known time period. Since the calico scallop lived about 1.8 million years ago, the rock is approximately 1.8 million years old. The correct choice is 1.8 million years.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.