Which statement best describes why most individual organisms never fossilized?(1 point)
Responses
Only organisms that lived in the ocean fossilize.
Only organisms that lived in the ocean fossilize.
Conditions for fossilization are rare.
Conditions for fossilization are rare.
Only organisms with hard parts fossilize.
Only organisms with hard parts fossilize.
Chemicals that fossilize organisms are rare.
Conditions for fossilization are rare.
The statement that best describes why most individual organisms never fossilized is that conditions for fossilization are rare.
The statement that best describes why most individual organisms never fossilized is: "Conditions for fossilization are rare."
Fossilization is a process that requires specific conditions to occur. Here's an explanation of why the other responses are incorrect:
1. Only organisms that lived in the ocean fossilize: Fossilization can occur in various environments, not just in the ocean. Organisms that lived on land or in freshwater habitats can also fossilize.
2. Only organisms with hard parts fossilize: While it is true that organisms with hard parts like bones and shells are more likely to fossilize, soft tissues can also be preserved under exceptional circumstances.
3. Chemicals that fossilize organisms are rare: Fossilization does not depend on rare chemicals. It is primarily influenced by the conditions in which an organism dies and the subsequent burial and preservation processes.
In summary, the rarity of suitable conditions is the key reason why most individual organisms never fossilize.