High School

Why is limestone a good sediment for preserving fossils?

A. Limestone is a poor sediment for fossil preservation.
B. Limestone is highly reactive and destroys fossils.
C. Limestone is rich in minerals that help in fossil preservation.
D. Limestone is not related to fossil preservation.

Answer :

Final answer:

Limestone is an excellent sediment for preserving fossils due to its mineral-rich composition that supports fossil preservation. This is aided by favorable conditions which prevent the usual decomposition of teeth, bones and impressions, providing a detailed fossil record. However, the fossil record remains incomplete.

Explanation:

The correct answer to the question 'Why is Limestone a good sediment for preserving fossils?' is that limestone is rich in minerals that help in fossil preservation. Limestone, a type of sedimentary rock, is composed of fragments of marine organisms such as shells and corals. These fragments, after being deposited by wind or water over time, cement together and form sedimentary rocks like limestone.

Limestone provides an excellent medium for the preservation of fossils due to its mineral richness. After an organism dies, its soft tissues typically decompose, leaving only teeth and bones behind. However, in the case of fossils embedded in limestone, certain conditions may allow these teeth, bones, and impressions to be preserved rather than deteriorating. For instance, if an organism is quickly covered by a layer of sediment or mud, decomposition is slowed and the chances of fossil formation increase.

It's important to note that although limestone is a good sediment for preserving fossils, the fossil record remains incomplete.

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