Question

which event is most likely if an index fossil is found in a layer at location 1, but the layer and index fossil are not found at location 2 nearby, which is known to be the same relative age? the layer at location 2 is too old to contain fossils. the locations were too close together. the organism did not exist at location 2. the layers at location 2 formed much earlier than those at location 1.

Explanation:

Index fossils are fossils of organisms that were widespread but lived for a short period. If an index - fossil is found at one location but not at another of the same relative age, it is most likely that the organism simply did not exist at that second location. The layer not being too old (as it's of the same relative age), proximity not being a determining factor for fossil presence, and layers being of the same relative age rule out the other options.

Answer:

The organism did not exist at location 2.