Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the remains or traces of a plant or animal that lived a long time ago, often found in rock.

Front

What does it mean if a species is extinct?

Back

Extinct means that a group of living things no longer exists on Earth.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment is small pieces of rock, soil, and other materials that settle at the bottom of water bodies.

Front

How do fossils form?

Back

Fossils form when a plant or animal is covered by sediment, which hardens over time.

Front

What can fossils tell us about the past?

Back

Fossils can provide information about what the environment was like and how living things have changed over time.

Front

What is a rock layer?

Back

A rock layer is a distinct layer of rock that has formed over time, often containing fossils.

Front

What does it mean if a rock layer is older?

Back

An older rock layer is one that was formed first, usually found deeper in the ground.

Front

What is the significance of finding a fish fossil in the desert?

Back

It suggests that the area was once covered by water.

Front

What is a cast fossil?

Back

A cast fossil forms when sediments fill a mold of a plant or animal, creating a replica.

Front

What is the difference between a mold and a cast?

Back

A mold is an impression of a plant or animal, while a cast is a solid copy made from that mold.