Question

Which one of the following plants has contributed to coal formation?
A. Pteridophytes
B. Gymnosperms
C. Bacteria
D. Archaebacteria

Answer 1

Coal is a fossil fuel that is used for burning and obtaining energy for various purposes. In older days coal was the main source of energy for running several complicated types of machinery. Its use has subsequently decreased nowadays. Coal mining is a very important commercial activity.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The burning of coal produces heat. This is because coal has a very high calorific value. Due to this reason, coal is used commercially as an important source of energy.
The coal was formed due to the decay of the plants under a lot of pressure. Plants like pteridophytes or ferns and other giant plants that grew in the swamp forest were thrown into it. These dead plants made several layers on top of each other at the bottom of the swamp.
As time passed, these layers were subjected to intense heat and pressure. This pressure and heat caused different types of physical and chemical changes in the decaying material. It released out the oxygen from the remains of these plants to convert them into structures resembling the coal known as peat. The thickness of the layers increased subsequently as more and more plants died and fell into the swamp.
Thus, based on the above information we can conclude that the Pteridophyte plants have contributed to the coal formation.

Hence, the correct answer is an option (A).

Note Petroleum is formed by the dead remains of animals like zooplankton and various types of algae under the sea. These organisms are buried under sedimentary rocks under intense heat and pressure. Therefore, oil and natural gas reservoirs are located in the sea and oceans.