We expect the fossil record to be incomplete for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:
A)All biomolecules, including lipids and pigment molecules, decay immediately after death.
B)Fossilization requires burial in sediment.
C)Sediments accumulate irregularly.
D)Organisms with hard parts tend to fossilize more readily than soft-bodied organisms.
E)Under normal conditions, organisms are broken down by biological and physical processes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Biomolecules, including lipids and pigment molecules, decay immediately after death, which is why it is unlikely that they will be preserved in the fossil record. The other options (B, C, D, and E) are all reasons why the fossil record is expected to be incomplete. Fossilization requires burial in sediment, sediments accumulate irregularly, and organisms with hard parts tend to fossilize more readily than soft-bodied organisms. Additionally, under normal conditions, organisms are broken down by biological and physical processes, which also limits the likelihood that they will be preserved in the fossil record.

We Expect the Fossil Record to Be Incomplete for All