In a particular layer of rock, a number of fossilized ferns are found, but no fossilized mosses are found. What conclusions can be drawn from this finding?
A)The soft tissues of mosses may not have fossilized as readily as the more decay-resistant tissues of ferns, so it is difficult to draw any conclusions from this limited sample.
B)Mosses and ferns did not coexist in the same environment.
C)There are fewer species of moss than ferns.
D)Ferns evolved earlier than mosses, so it is not surprising to find a layer with only ferns and no mosses.
E)Ferns decompose more rapidly than mosses and thus are more likely to fossilize.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of fossilized ferns but not mosses in a particular rock layer does not necessarily indicate differences in their evolutionary history, abundance, or coexistence. It may simply reflect the differing preservation potential of their tissues, with ferns possibly having more decay-resistant tissues that are more likely to fossilize than the softer tissues of mosses.

In a Particular Layer of Rock, a Number of Fossilized