Which rock type is commonly associated with fossils because it preserves them?

Which rock type is commonly associated with fossils because it preserves them?

• A. Igneous
• B. Metamorphic
• C. Sedimentary
• D. Metavolcanic

Answer: (C)

Fossils are most reliably preserved in sedimentary rocks. These rocks form from particles that settle out of water or air and accumulate in layers at Earth’s surface. When organisms die in these environments, their remains can be quickly buried by the incoming sediment. The burial protects the remains from decay and scavengers, and over long periods the layers are compacted and cemented together, turning the sediment into rock while leaving an impression of the organism or its mineralized form. That’s why you see most fossils in rocks like limestone, sandstone, and shale. Igneous rocks come from molten material cooling into rock, and the heat involved would destroy organic remains, so fossils aren’t preserved there. Metamorphic rocks originate from rocks that are altered by heat and pressure, which often destroys or distorts fossils. The term metavolcanic isn’t a standard rock type used to describe fossil preservation.

Fossils are most reliably preserved in sedimentary rocks. These rocks form from particles that settle out of water or air and accumulate in layers at Earth’s surface. When organisms die in these environments, their remains can be quickly buried by the incoming sediment. The burial protects the remains from decay and scavengers, and over long periods the layers are compacted and cemented together, turning the sediment into rock while leaving an impression of the organism or its mineralized form. That’s why you see most fossils in rocks like limestone, sandstone, and shale.

Igneous rocks come from molten material cooling into rock, and the heat involved would destroy organic remains, so fossils aren’t preserved there. Metamorphic rocks originate from rocks that are altered by heat and pressure, which often destroys or distorts fossils. The term metavolcanic isn’t a standard rock type used to describe fossil preservation.