Fossil Formation Review

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is evidence of past life, including remains, traces, and imprints, preserved in earth material, such as rock.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What type of rock do we find fossils in?

Back

Fossils are primarily found in sedimentary rock.

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What does the term 'Fossil Record' refer to?

Back

The Fossil Record refers to all the organisms that have existed in Earth’s history that are preserved in rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What does 'paleo-' mean?

Back

The prefix 'paleo-' means prehistoric or ancient.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

True or False: An insect preserved in amber is an example of a trace fossil.

Back

False. An insect in amber is an example of a body fossil.

Front

What is a trace fossil?

Back

A trace fossil is a type of fossil that provides evidence of the activity of ancient organisms, such as footprints or burrows.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is the process of fossilization?

Back

Fossilization is the process by which organic material is replaced by minerals, preserving the shape and structure of the original organism.

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What are index fossils?

Back

Index fossils are fossils of organisms that were widespread but only existed for a short period of time, used to date the rock layers.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the significance of sedimentary rock in fossil formation?

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Sedimentary rock forms in layers and provides the right conditions for fossils to form, as it can trap and preserve organic material.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is paleontology?

Back

Paleontology is the scientific study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2