Which of the following structures would be the least likely to fossilize?

• A. A clam's calcium carbonate shell
• B. A jellyfish's soft body
• C. A shark's tooth
• D. A dinosaur's femur bone

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of fossilization: Fossilization typically occurs when an organism is buried quickly after death, and its hard parts (like bones, shells, or teeth) are preserved over time. Soft tissues are less likely to fossilize because they decompose rapidly.
2. Analyze the options provided: Compare the structures based on their composition and likelihood of preservation. Hard structures like calcium carbonate shells, teeth, and bones are more resistant to decomposition and more likely to fossilize.
3. Consider the jellyfish's soft body: Jellyfish are composed primarily of soft tissues, which decompose quickly after death. This makes them the least likely to fossilize compared to the other options.
4. Evaluate the clam's shell, shark's tooth, and dinosaur's femur: These structures are composed of durable materials (calcium carbonate for the shell, enamel and dentin for the tooth, and mineralized bone for the femur), making them more likely to fossilize.
5. Conclude that the jellyfish's soft body is the least likely to fossilize due to its lack of hard, durable structures that can withstand the fossilization process.