Which of the following is an example of a sedimentary rock?

Shale is a classic example of sedimentary rock because it forms from the accumulation and compaction of sediment, primarily clay and silt particles, over time. This process typically occurs in environments like riverbeds, lakes, and ocean floors where fine materials can settle. Sedimentary rocks like shale often contain fossils and provide vital records of Earth's history, as they can capture the physical and biological processes that occurred when the sediment was deposited.

In contrast, granite is an igneous rock formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. Pumice is also igneous, characterized by its volcanic origin and the presence of gas bubbles that give it a light, porous texture. Marble is a metamorphic rock that originates from the transformation of limestone under heat and pressure. Thus, shale is clearly identified as sedimentary, reflecting the distinctive formation processes that differentiate sedimentary rocks from igneous and metamorphic types.