You are given a science question (easy-level) and four answer options (associated with "A", "B", "C", "D"). Your task is to find the correct answer based on scientific facts, knowledge, and reasoning. Do not generate anything else apart from one of the following characters: 'A', 'B, 'C', 'D'. There is only one correct answer for each question.

[EX Q]: A geologist finds a layer of shale near the surface from a certain time period. Nearby, the geologist finds the same layer of shale, but it is deeper underground than the first layer. What might have caused the difference in the depth of the shale layer?  
 (A) a meteorite (B) a fault (C) ancient fossils (D) animal life
[EX A]: B

[EX Q]: Which would be a safe practice to exercise during laboratory investigations?  
 (A) using open flames to heat all materials (B) keeping your cell phone on the laboratory countertop (C) knowing where your instructor/laboratory leader is at all times (D) removing your safety glasses when moving from station to station
[EX A]: C

[EX Q]: Which best explains why stars seen in the night sky are less bright than the Sun?  
 (A) Other stars are farther from Earth than the Sun. (B) Other stars are facing away from Earth. (C) Other stars are smaller than the Sun. (D) Other stars are producing less light.
[EX A]:
A