Question

practice knowledge quiz
the imprints shown above were found by a paleontologist (a biologist who studies fossils) in a sedimentary rock layer (a layer of rock that was formed from dirt settling out of a body of water). the paleontologist makes three different statements about this find: (1) the imprints occur in pairs, (2) the imprints are the tracks of a bird, (3) the bird is moving by hopping. which of the following statements is true?
statements (1), (2), and (3) are all observations
statements (1), (2), and (3) are all inferences
statement (1) is an observation and (2) and (3) are inferences
statements (1) and (2) are observations and (3) is an inference

Explanation:

An observation is a direct - noted fact. Statement (1) "the imprints occur in pairs" is a direct observation of the pattern of the imprints. An inference is a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. Statement (2) "the imprints are the tracks of a bird" and statement (3) "the bird is moving by hopping" are conclusions drawn from the appearance of the imprints, not direct observations.

Answer:

C. statement (1) is an observation and (2) and (3) are inferences