Which of the following statements about fossils is true?

• A. Fossils are only found in igneous rocks.
• B. Fossils provide direct evidence of past life forms and their evolutionary changes.
• C. All fossils are formed from the remains of living organisms within the last 1,000 years.
• D. Fossils can only be formed from hard body parts like bones and shells.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of fossils. Fossils are preserved remains, impressions, or traces of organisms from the past, typically found in sedimentary rocks. They provide evidence of past life forms and their evolutionary changes.
2. Step 2: Evaluate the first statement: 'Fossils are only found in igneous rocks.' This is incorrect because fossils are primarily found in sedimentary rocks, which form from the accumulation of sediments where organisms are buried and preserved.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Fossils provide direct evidence of past life forms and their evolutionary changes.' This is correct because fossils allow scientists to study the morphology, behavior, and evolutionary history of organisms over time.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the third statement: 'All fossils are formed from the remains of living organisms within the last 1,000 years.' This is incorrect because fossils can be millions or even billions of years old, far exceeding the 1,000-year timeframe.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the fourth statement: 'Fossils can only be formed from hard body parts like bones and shells.' This is incorrect because fossils can also form from soft tissues, impressions, or traces like footprints, burrows, and leaf imprints under specific conditions.