Question

1. what happens to most dead organisms before they can fossilize?

• a) they turn into crystals
• b) they are preserved instantly
• c) they decay or are scavenged
• d) they become part of living trees

1. which of the following best improves the chances of an organism being fossilized?

• a) exposure to oxygen
• b) rapid burial in sediment
• c) drying in the sun
• d) being eaten by predators

Explanation:

For question 4, most dead organisms decay or are scavenged before fossilization. Options a (turn into crystals) is incorrect as it's not a common process. Option b (instant preservation) is rare. Option d (become part of living trees) is not relevant. For question 5, rapid burial in sediment protects the organism from decay and scavenging, increasing fossilization chances. Exposure to oxygen (a) and drying in the sun (c) promote decay. Being eaten (d) destroys the organism.

Answer:

1. C. They decay or are scavenged
2. B. Rapid burial in sediment