QUESTION IMAGE
Question
- why might areas with low sedimentation rates show fewer fossils compared to areas with high sedimentation rates?
Fossils form when organisms are buried quickly. High sedimentation rates mean more rapid burial, protecting remains from destruction (e.g., by scavengers, weathering). Low rates mean slower burial, so remains have more time to be destroyed before fossilization.
Snap & solve any problem in the app
Get step-by-step solutions on Sovi AI
Photo-based solutions with guided steps
Explore more problems and detailed explanations
Areas with low sedimentation rates show fewer fossils because slower burial allows more time for the destruction of organic remains (by factors like scavengers, decomposition, weathering), while high - sedimentation - rate areas quickly bury organisms, increasing the chances of fossil preservation.