A young paleontologist is extremely excited. In sedimentary rocks dating from 70 million years ago, she has found some new microfossils. The shells of which of the following organisms likely contributed to the accumulation of sediments on the seafloor (and the formation of these sedimentary rocks)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the organisms listed are known to contribute to the accumulation of sediments on the seafloor and the formation of sedimentary rocks. Diatoms, radiolarians, foraminiferans, and coccolithophorids are all types of single-celled organisms with hard shells or skeletons made of mineralized materials. When these organisms die, their shells and skeletons sink to the seafloor where they contribute to the accumulation of sediment over time. Therefore, all of the choices are correct.

A Young Paleontologist Is Extremely Excited