Question

fossils
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which statement explains something that the fossil record indicates?
earth is is still a very young planet
mammals have always existed on earth.
mass extinctions have occurred several times on earth.
the amount of water on earth has decreased over time.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• "Earth is still a very young planet" is incorrect. The fossil record and scientific evidence show Earth is about 4.6 billion years old, not young.
• "Mammals have always existed on Earth" is wrong. Mammals appeared relatively late in Earth's history, after many other life forms.
• "Mass extinctions have occurred several times on Earth" is correct. The fossil record shows abrupt changes in species diversity, indicating events like the Permian - Triassic and Cretaceous - Paleogene extinctions.
• "The amount of water on Earth has decreased over time" is incorrect. The total amount of water on Earth has remained relatively constant over geological time, though its distribution may change.

Answer:

C. Mass extinctions have occurred several times on Earth.