Question

speciation, fossilization and sedimentation quiz
name
date
per

1. multiple choice: what is sedimentation?

a) the process of rock melting
b) the settling of particles to form layers of sediment
c) the breaking down of rocks by wind
d) the movement of tectonic plates

1. open ended: explain how sedimentation contributes to fossil formation.

1. multiple choice: what is fossilization?

a) the process by which living organisms become extinct
b) the preservation of remains or traces of organisms in sedimentary rock
c) the erosion of rocks by water
d) the creation of new species over time

1. open ended: describe two ways fossils can form.

1. multiple choice: what does speciation refer to?

a) the death of individual organisms
b) the formation of new and distinct species over time
c) the breakdown of fossils
d) the movement of sediment layers

1. open ended: how can speciation be related to gaps in the fossil record?

Explanation:

Sedimentation is the process where particles settle to form sediment layers. For fossil formation, sedimentation buries organisms quickly, protecting them from decay. Over time, sediments build up, and pressure/minerals replace organic material. Fossilization is the preservation of remains/traces in sedimentary rock. Two fossil - forming ways: permineralization (minerals fill pores) and carbonization (organic material leaves carbon residue). Speciation is new species formation. Gaps in the fossil record can occur if speciation happens rapidly in small populations (less likely to be fossilized) or in environments not conducive to fossilization.

Answer:

1. B. The settling of particles to form layers of sediment
2. Sedimentation quickly buries organisms, protecting them from decay. Over time, sediments build up, and pressure/minerals replace organic material.
3. B. The preservation of remains or traces of organisms in sedimentary rock
4. Permineralization (minerals fill pores) and carbonization (organic material leaves carbon residue).
5. B. The formation of new and distinct species over time
6. Gaps in the fossil record can occur if speciation happens rapidly in small populations (less likely to be fossilized) or in environments not conducive to fossilization.