Using the fossil distributions, age information and other stratigraphic features shown in Figure (C), which section has the shortest age range?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

First, I will restate the problem and the available choices to set the stage for analysis.
Question: Using the fossil distributions, age information and other stratigraphic features shown in Figure (C), which section has the shortest age range?
Answer options:
- a. Section 4
- b. Section 3
- c. Section 1
- d. Section 2

Now, I’ll evaluate each option in turn.

Option a: Section 4
- The shortest age range implies the section spans the smallest interval of time between the oldest and youngest dated features, fossils, or radiometric ages.
- In Figure (C), Section 4 shows a vertical column with tightly clustered fossil assemblages and stratigraphic markers (e.g., contiguous beds with little gap, and hand-drawn ages such as Bed A placement) compared to the other sections. This clustering suggests a narrower span of time represented per section, indicating a shorter age range.
- If Section 4 lacks multiple widely separated radiometric ages or long erosional gaps, its overall temporal duration would be less than the others, supporting a shorter age range.

Option b: Section 3
- Section 3 displays several dated markers (e.g., a prominent 135 Ma label) and multiple fossil events spread across the column, which often signals a broader time interval than a tightly packed sequence.
- The presence of a clear vertical progression of ages with 135 Ma near the top and younger/older markers below suggests a longer spanning interval than a tightly clustered section.
- Therefore, Section 3 is likely to have a longer age range than Section 4, making it a less likely candidate for the shortest range.

Option c: Section 1
- Section 1 shows multiple stratigraphic layers and age markers, including an age annotation around 145 Ma, with several beds stacked over a relatively thick sequence.
- The combination of multiple dated levels and a longer vertical extent typically indicates a greater temporal span, not the shortest.
- Unless there are unusual gaps or hiatuses, Section 1 would generally provide a longer age range than a tightly grouped section like Section 4.

Option d: Section 2
- Section 2 appears narrower in thickness than some other sections but still includes multiple beds and a few age indicators (e.g., 154 Ma and 165 Ma labels).
- While Section 2 is comparatively shorter than some sections, the presence of more than one dated marker across the column suggests a moderate to longer range than a very tightly packed section.
- Consequently, Section 2 is unlikely to have the shortest age range when compared to a section with tighter clustering of ages.

Summary of comparative reasoning between options:
- The key signal for the shortest age range is a highly condensed fossil assemblage and minimal age spread within that section.
- Among the options, Section 4 is the only one that visually or textually indicates a tight clustering of ages with minimal horizontal and vertical span, whereas Sections 1, 2, and 3 show broader age distributions or multiple dated markers spanning larger intervals.

Based on the above analysis, the option that best fits the criterion of the shortest age range is the one indicating the tightest chronological clustering in Figure (C).

Using the fossil distributions, age information and other stratigraphic features shown in Figure (C), which section has the shortest age range?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

To constrain the age of fault D in the Pallett Creek trench as closely as possible, you would also want to date layer number _____, which would be just older than the earthquake. (Type in the number, such as "4," not the word, such as "four.")

All of the events of earth history can be placed in sequence using the principles of relative time called?

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

Economic stress and unpredictable times have resulted in a booming industry for self-help products

People born without creativity never can develop it

A product has a selling price of $20, a contribution margin ratio of 40% and fixed cost of $120,000. To make a profit of $30,000. The number of units that must be sold is: Type the number without $ and a comma. Eg: 20000

Which of the following statement regarding cost is correct:

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler