Question

which is the best definition of the bold word as it is used in the sentence?
it takes special conditions to preserve dinosaur bones. the dinosaur body must be buried and covered by sediment that builds up over the bones and hardens into sedimentary rock.
a view of or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion
exaggerated and self - indulgent feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia
matter that has been deposited by some natural process
to settle as by a natural process

Explanation:

The term "sediment" refers to matter deposited by natural processes. In the context of dinosaur bone preservation, the dinosaur body must be buried and covered by sediment that builds up over the bones and hardens into sedimentary rock. This process of sediment deposition (matter that has been deposited by some natural process) is crucial for fossil formation. The other options: "To settle as by a natural process" is too vague; "Exaggerated and self - indulgent feelings..." is about emotions; "A view of or attitude..." is about opinions.

Answer:

Matter that has been deposited by some natural process