Which can be excluded due to the absence of fossil records? (1 point)
• the shell of a snail
O a dinosaur's backbone
• the shell of a crab
• the body of a jellyfish
• the body of a jellyfish
The body of a jellyfish can be excluded due to the absence of fossil records.
To determine which organism can be excluded due to the absence of fossil records, we need to consider the likelihood of preservation. Fossil records provide evidence of past life on Earth, but not all organisms have an equal chance of being preserved as fossils.
In this case, we can analyze each option to identify which one is less likely to be preserved:
1. The shell of a snail: Snail shells have a relatively good chance of being fossilized because they are made of durable calcium carbonate. Many snail fossils have been discovered throughout the geological record.
2. A dinosaur's backbone: Dinosaur bones, including their backbones, have been well-preserved in the fossil record. In fact, dinosaur fossils have been instrumental in understanding the ancient world and the evolution of life.
3. The shell of a crab: Similar to the shell of a snail, crab shells are made of durable material (chitin) and have a good chance of being fossilized. Fossilized crab remains have been found in various geological formations.
4. The body of a jellyfish: Jellyfish are soft-bodied creatures without skeletons or hard parts. Soft tissues decompose rapidly, making it highly unlikely for jellyfish bodies to be fossilized. Therefore, the body of a jellyfish is the most likely option to be excluded due to the absence of fossil records.
In conclusion, the organism that can be excluded due to the absence of fossil records is the body of a jellyfish.