Which type of sedimentary rock is formed from the fusion of pieces of rock, mineral, and organic material?

Prepare for the Praxis Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Core Assessment. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Success awaits!

The correct choice is clastic sedimentary rock. Clastic sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and lithification of fragments of pre-existing rocks and minerals, known as clasts. These pieces, which can include bits of rock, mineral grains, and even organic material, are transported by natural forces such as wind or water, and eventually deposited in various environments. Over time, these sediments are compacted and cemented together, resulting in the formation of clastic rocks like sandstone and shale.

Clastic rocks are distinct because they specifically involve the breaking down of existing material into smaller pieces that are then restructured into solid rock. This process emphasizes the natural recycling of Earth's materials and contributes significantly to the rock cycle.

In contrast, chemical sedimentary rocks result from the precipitation of minerals from solution, and organic sedimentary rocks are primarily composed of organic material, such as coal, formed from the accumulation of plant debris. Metamorphic rocks, on the other hand, are formed from the alteration of existing rocks due to heat and pressure, rather than from the direct accumulation (fusion) of sediments.

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