Question

select the correct answer
millions of years ago, the area pictured was the site of a mountain range. today, a few plateaus are all that remain. what can be said about the remaining rock forms?
image of rock formations with yellow flowers and blue sky
a. only the weakest portions of the rock remain
b. due to a lack of rainfall in the area, rain is not a factor in the erosion process
c. the rock has been worn down due to continental drift
d. the remaining forms consist of the hardest rock

Explanation:

• Option A: Erosion typically removes weaker rock first, so the weakest portions would not remain. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Rain is a common erosional agent; even arid areas experience some rainfall, and other agents (wind, etc.) also act. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Continental drift is about plate movement, not direct rock wearing. Erosion (wind, water, etc.) wears down rocks. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Over millions of years, erosion (wind, water, ice) removes softer, weaker rock. The remaining rock forms are the hardest, as they resisted erosion better. This matches the scenario of a mountain range eroding to leave plateaus/rock forms.

Answer:

D. The remaining forms consist of the hardest rock.