Question

which set of characteristics best describes sedimentary rock? a largest type of rock, made of organic matter, hardest type of rock b often contains layers, forms near sources of water, contains fossils c least abundant type of rock, made of other rocks, made mostly of minerals d most abundant type in earths crust, made of magma/lava, contains no fossils

Explanation:

• Option A: Sedimentary rocks aren't the hardest (metamorphic/igneous can be harder) and not all are made of organic matter, so A is wrong.
• Option B: Sedimentary rocks form from sediment deposition, often near water (like rivers, oceans), have layers (bedding) and can contain fossils (as they form in environments where organisms live/die), so this matches.
• Option C: Sedimentary rocks aren't the least abundant (metamorphic is less abundant than sedimentary in some cases, and they form from sediments not just other rocks), so C is wrong.
• Option D: Igneous rocks are most abundant in Earth's crust and form from magma/lava, and sedimentary can have fossils, so D describes igneous, not sedimentary.

Answer:

B. often contains layers, forms near sources of water, contains fossils