Question

a scientist finds a fossil that she thinks might make a good index fossil. which characteristic does this fossil most likely have? it is the remains of an organism still found alive today. it is the remains of an organism that is found in abundance nearby. it is the only fossil for this type of organism that has ever been found. it is the remains of an organism that lived in a narrow geographic area.

Explanation:

An index fossil is the remains of an organism that is found in abundance over a wide geographic area but for a relatively short period of geological time. It helps in dating rock layers. The key - characteristic of an index fossil is that it is the remains of an organism still found alive today is incorrect. Also, being the only fossil of its type or being found in a narrow geographic area are not characteristics of index fossils. Index fossils are common and widespread in rock layers of a particular time.

Answer:

It is the remains of an organism that is found in abundance nearby.