Question

a shark would not be a good index fossil because
a) it doesnt have structures that can be preserved in a fossil.
b) the species has survived for too long.
c) salt water would degrade the fossil over time.
d) no fossil records exist for sharks.
question 19 (5 points)
how does the principle of faunal succession assist the technique of relative dating?
a) it prioritizes parts before the whole appearance of organisms.
b) it accounts for the tectonic movement throughout history.
c) it gives a logical order to the age of organisms.
d) it provides a defined order to the succession of organisms.

Explanation:

1. For the first question, index fossils are used to date rock layers and are from species that existed for a relatively short - time period. Sharks have survived for a very long time, so they are not good index fossils.
2. For the second question, the principle of faunal succession states that fossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and recognizable order. This provides a defined order to the succession of organisms which helps in relative dating.

Answer:

1. B. the species has survived for too long.
2. D. It provides a defined order to the succession of organisms.