Fossils

Front

What is the fossil record?

Back

The fossil record is the collection of all known fossils and their placement in the geological time scale, providing evidence for the history of life on Earth.

Front

What does it mean when an organism is described as extinct?

Back

An organism that is extinct is one that no longer exists on Earth.

Front

What is a cast fossil?

Back

A cast fossil is formed when a mold of an organism is filled with sediment or minerals, creating a replica of the original organism.

Front

What is a mold fossil?

Back

A mold fossil is created when an organism leaves an impression in sediment, which hardens into rock, preserving the shape of the organism.

Front

What is the significance of layers in the fossil record?

Back

Layers in the fossil record indicate different time periods and can show the sequence of life forms that existed at various times.

Front

What type of fossil is formed from the remains of an organism that have been preserved in amber?

Back

Amber fossils are formed when organisms, such as insects, are trapped in tree resin that hardens over time.

Front

What is the difference between a body fossil and a trace fossil?

Back

Body fossils are the actual remains of an organism, such as bones or shells, while trace fossils are evidence of an organism's activity, such as footprints or burrows.

Front

How can fossils help scientists understand past environments?

Back

Fossils can provide clues about the climate, geography, and ecosystems of the past, helping scientists reconstruct ancient environments.

Front

What is relative dating in the context of fossils?

Back

Relative dating is a method used to determine the age of fossils by comparing their placement in layers of rock to other fossils.

Front

What is absolute dating, and how is it used with fossils?

Back

Absolute dating is a technique used to determine the actual age of a fossil using methods like radiometric dating.