The e Cambrian explosion gets its name from the sudden appearance and rapid diversification of...
The e Cambrian explosion gets its name from the sudden appearance and rapid diversification of animal remains in the fossil record about 541 million years ago, during the Cambrian period. Some scientists argue that this ______ change in the fossil record might be because of a shift in many organisms to body types that were more likely to be preserved. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
- A) catastrophic
- B) elusive
- C) abrupt
- D) imminent
Correct Answer: C) abrupt
Explanation
The most logical and precise choice to complete the text would be C) abrupt. The sentence describes the sudden appearance and rapid diversification of animal remains in the fossil record during the Cambrian period. Therefore, an abrupt change in the fossil record would be the most appropriate description for this phenomenon.

