The table below shows the fossils found in various layers of an undisturbed rock:
fossils in rock layers
layer (from top) fossil in layer
1 a, c
2 e
3 a, d, f
4 b
5 f, c
6 d, b
which is most likely an index fossil?

the first phase of the government’s plan for settlement was building the transcontinental railroad. the railroad provided a way to bring settlers and manufactured goods west and ship their agricultural and mining produce east. the transcontinental railroad was an essential artery for rapid development of the frontier.

the second phase of the government’s plan was a liberal land distribution policy that made it possible for many people to homestead. with these two key elements—transportation and cheap land—the government rapidly achieved its goal of persuading people to move west, settle on farms, and push back the frontier.