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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reasons explains why index fossils are useful in organic chemistry?
A
They provide information about the chemical composition of rocks.
B
They help in dating the age of rock layers.
C
They are used to identify the mineral content of rocks.
D
They indicate the presence of organic compounds in rocks.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of index fossils: Index fossils are fossils of organisms that lived during a relatively short geological time period but were widespread geographically. They are used by geologists to identify and date the layers of rock in which they are found.
Recognize the relevance of index fossils in geology: Index fossils are primarily used in geology to correlate the age of rock layers. They are not directly related to organic chemistry, which focuses on the study of carbon-containing compounds.
Identify the correct reason for their usefulness: The primary reason index fossils are useful is that they help in dating the age of rock layers. This is because the presence of a particular index fossil indicates that the rock layer was formed during the time period when that organism existed.
Clarify the misconception about chemical composition: While index fossils can provide indirect information about the environment in which the rocks were formed, they do not provide direct information about the chemical composition of rocks.
Conclude with the correct application: In the context of organic chemistry, index fossils are not used to identify mineral content or the presence of organic compounds in rocks. Their main utility is in dating geological formations, which can indirectly aid in understanding the historical context of organic material found within those layers.