Unit 6: Fossils TN 5th Grade 2018/19 Science Standards

Front

What adaptations did woolly mammoths have to survive in the ice age?

Back

Woolly mammoths had thick fur, a layer of fat for insulation, and large tusks for digging through snow.

Front

What is fossilization?

Back

Fossilization is the process by which organic material is preserved in sedimentary rock, often through mineralization or impressions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What are the two main types of fossils?

Back

The two main types of fossils are body fossils (actual remains of the organism) and trace fossils (evidence of the organism's activity, like footprints or burrows).

Front

What is a mold fossil?

Back

A mold fossil is a cavity in the rock that reflects the shape of an organism, formed when the organism decays after being buried.

Front

What is a cast fossil?

Back

A cast fossil is a replica of an organism that forms when minerals fill in a mold fossil.

Front

What conditions are necessary for fossilization to occur?

Back

Fossilization typically requires rapid burial, low oxygen levels, and the presence of sediment.

Front

What role does sediment play in fossil preservation?

Back

Sediment helps protect remains from decay and physical disturbance, allowing for the preservation of fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is mass extinction?

Back

Mass extinction is a significant and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, often caused by catastrophic events.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What environmental factors can lead to mass extinction?

Back

Environmental factors such as climate change, volcanic eruptions, and prolonged drought can lead to mass extinction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

How do scientists determine the age of fossils?

Back

Scientists use methods like radiometric dating and stratigraphy to determine the age of fossils.