Fossils

Front

What is amber in the context of fossils?

Back

Amber is tree sap that has hardened and been replaced by minerals, preserving the organic material within.

Front

What is the first step in the fossilization process?

Back

A plant or animal must die and decompose.

Front

Where is the oldest layer of sedimentary rock typically found?

Back

The oldest layer of sedimentary rock is found at the bottom layer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

Which substance is not capable of preserving entire organisms?

Back

Water is not able to preserve entire organisms.

Front

What material typically buries living things to form fossils?

Back

Sediment is the material that buries living things and hardens into rock over time.

Front

What is the process called when organic material is replaced by minerals?

Back

Mineralization.

Front

What type of fossil forms from the remains of organisms trapped in ice?

Back

Preserved remains or frozen fossils.

Front

What is the significance of sedimentary rock in fossil formation?

Back

Sedimentary rock is where most fossils are found, as it forms from the accumulation of sediment that can bury and preserve organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are trace fossils?

Back

Trace fossils are geological records of biological activity, such as footprints, burrows, or feces, rather than the remains of the organism itself.

Front

What conditions are necessary for fossilization to occur?

Back

Rapid burial, low oxygen levels, and the presence of sediment are necessary for fossilization.