NSF Senior Science Bee Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The three main types of rocks in the rock cycle are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. This classification is essential for understanding how rocks form, change, and transform over geological time.

Igneous rocks originate from the solidification of molten material, either magma or lava. These rocks can form below the surface as intrusive igneous rocks, or on the surface as extrusive igneous rocks, depending on the cooling location.

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles over time. They often develop in layers and can contain fossils, providing valuable information about Earth's history.

Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rocks due to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids. This process alters the mineral composition and texture of the rock, resulting in a diverse range of formations.

Understanding these three types of rocks is fundamental to the rock cycle concept, which illustrates how rocks are continuously recycled and transformed in nature. The other options listed include specific examples of rocks but do not encompass the broader categories needed to answer the question accurately.