Which rock type is most likely to contain fossils because it forms from sediments?

Study for the North Carolina Grade 8 End-of-Grade Science Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which rock type is most likely to contain fossils because it forms from sediments?

Explanation:
Fossils are most likely found in rocks formed from sediments because those rocks develop from layers of material that settle out of water or air and can bury once-living organisms. As sediments accumulate, they cover any remains, and over time they become compacted and cemented into rock, preserving shapes or imprints of plants and animals. Igneous rocks form from cooling magma or lava, which would melt or destroy any fossils. Metamorphic rocks arise from existing rocks transformed by heat and pressure, often altering or destroying fossils in the process. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone, and the metamorphism typically erases fossil records. So the rock type most likely to contain fossils is the sedimentary rock.

Fossils are most likely found in rocks formed from sediments because those rocks develop from layers of material that settle out of water or air and can bury once-living organisms. As sediments accumulate, they cover any remains, and over time they become compacted and cemented into rock, preserving shapes or imprints of plants and animals.

Igneous rocks form from cooling magma or lava, which would melt or destroy any fossils. Metamorphic rocks arise from existing rocks transformed by heat and pressure, often altering or destroying fossils in the process. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone, and the metamorphism typically erases fossil records.

So the rock type most likely to contain fossils is the sedimentary rock.

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