Fossilization, Superposition

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What is fossilization?

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Fossilization is the process by which organic material is preserved in the geological record, often through mineralization or other means.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What are trace fossils?

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Trace fossils are geological records of biological activity, such as footprints, burrows, or feces, that provide insights into the behavior of ancient organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What is a petrified fossil?

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A petrified fossil is formed when organic material, such as wood, is replaced by minerals, turning it into stone.

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What is the significance of the fossil record?

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The fossil record provides information about the history of life on Earth, including the types of organisms that existed, their evolution, and the environments they lived in.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What conditions are necessary for the formation of preserved fossils?

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Preserved fossils form when organisms are trapped in substances like ice, tar, or amber, preventing decay.

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What is an index fossil?

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An index fossil is a fossil that is used to define and identify a particular time period in the geological time scale.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

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What is the principle of superposition?

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The principle of superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

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What are molds and casts in paleontology?

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Molds are impressions left in sediment by an organism, while casts are formed when sediment fills a mold and hardens into rock.

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What is amber?

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Amber is fossilized tree resin that can preserve small organisms, such as insects, providing valuable information about ancient ecosystems.

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What are carbon films?

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Carbon films are thin layers of carbon left behind when organic material decays, often preserving the outline of the organism.