Question

which statement explains something that the fossil record indicates?

earth is is still a very young planet
mammals have always existed on earth.
mass extinctions have occurred several times on earth.
the amount of water on earth has decreased over time.

Explanation:

Analyze the question

The question asks which statement explains something that the fossil record indicates.

Evaluate the first option

The first option states "Earth is is still a very young planet."
The Geologic Time Scale and Paleontology show that Earth is about 4.6 billion years old, which is extremely old, not young.

Evaluate the second option

The second option states "Mammals have always existed on Earth."
Fossil evidence shows that mammals appeared relatively recently in Earth's history, not always.

Evaluate the third option

The third option states "Mass extinctions have occurred several times on Earth."
The fossil record clearly documents sudden disappearances of many species, indicating major mass extinction events.

Evaluate the fourth option

The fourth option states "The amount of water on Earth has decreased over time."
The fossil record does not indicate a continuous decrease in Earth's total water volume.

Answer:

• Earth is is still a very young planet
• Mammals have always existed on Earth.
• Mass extinctions have occurred several times on Earth. (Correct answer)
• The amount of water on Earth has decreased over time.