A micropaleontologist analyzes a core sample with layers containing radiolarians. The number of specimens in each successive layer forms a geometric sequence: 5, 15, 45, 135, ... If this pattern continues, what is the total number of specimens in the first 6 layers?

Wed, 06 May 2026 02:24:33 +0000

**How A Micropaleontologist Analyzes a Core Sample with Radiolarians Reveals Hidden Patterns—And What It Means** Tiny layers of sediment hidden deep beneath the Earth hold vital clues about climate change, ancient ecosystems, and life’s resilience over millions of years. A micropaleontologist studies these core samples, where radiolarians—delicate microfossils—appear in progressively thicker strata, following a precise geometric pattern. The sequence begins with 5 specimens, then multiplies by 3: 15, 45, 135, and so on. Understanding how many radiolarians accumulate across the first six layers reveals not just mathematical beauty, but deeper insights into Earth’s history. This pattern is gaining attention as researchers piece together environmental shifts at scale, supporting multidisciplinary science used in fields from geology to climate modeling. When scientists discuss radiolarian sequences in core samples, they are tapping into a measurable method for dating and interpreting ancient ocean environments. Each layer captures a moment in time, preserving the biological density predicted by the geometric progression. What makes this insight compelling now is the growing interest in high-resolution environmental records to inform current ecological challenges. The dots in the sequence connect to real-world data on sedimentation, nutrient cycles, and global climate trends—making this a hot topic among researchers and educators shaping US-based paleoenvironmental studies. How A micropaleontologist analyzes a core sample with layers containing radiolarians. The number of specimens in each successive layer forms a geometric sequence: 5, 15, 45, 135, ... If this pattern continues, what is the total number of specimens across the first 6 layers? The sequence follows a consistent multiplier of 3, meaning each layer holds three times the previous. Starting with 5 in the first layer:
- Layer 1: 5
- Layer 2: 5 × 3 = 15
- Layer 3: 15 × 3 = 45
- Layer 4: 45 × 3 = 135
- Layer 5: 135 × 3 = 405
- Layer 6: 405 × 3 = 1,215