For many years, scientists believed that almost all animal lineages burst into being during the Cambrian era (just after the end of the Precambrian super eon). However, there have been many recent findings of animal-like fossils and "trace fossils" (fossils of an animal-like organism's movement) from the late Precambrian. Which of the following best explains why it took so long to realize there was animal-like life in the Precambrian?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Animals from the late Precambrian had soft bodies, which are not as easily fossilized as hard-shelled organisms. This made it difficult for scientists to recognize their existence until recent advances in technology allowed for better preservation and identification of soft-bodied fossils.

For Many Years, Scientists Believed That Almost All Animal Lineages