The first fossils date to aboutGroup of answer choices4.7 bya3.7 bya1.7 bya4.7 mya3.7 mya

To answer the question regarding the date of the first fossils, we need to evaluate the options provided.

The earliest known fossils are of stromatolites, which are layered structures formed by the activity of microorganisms, particularly cyanobacteria. These date back to around 3.5 billion years ago (bya).

Given the options:

1. 4.7 bya – This is earlier than the formation of Earth.
2. 3.7 bya – This date is plausible, as it is close to the time when the earliest life forms existed.
3. 1.7 bya – This date is too recent for the first fossils.
4. 4.7 mya – This is also too recent and does not align with the fossil record.
5. 3.7 mya – Again, this is much too recent for the first fossils.

Conclusion

The most accurate choice that aligns with scientific understanding is 3.7 bya. This is close to the time when stromatolite fossils and other early life forms are believed to have first appeared.