Study Guide for Fossils Unit

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Fossils are the remains or traces of plants and animals that lived a long time ago, often found in rocks.

Front

Why are soft parts of animals not preserved as fossils?

Back

They decayed or were eaten before fossilization could occur.

Front

What does it mean when a species is extinct?

Back

It means that all members of the group have died.

Front

How do fossils help us learn about the past?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of different kinds of plants and animals that lived long ago.

Front

What is the most important factor for fossils to form?

Back

Time is the most important factor for fossils to form.

Front

What can fossils tell us about the environment where they were found?

Back

Fossils can indicate what the environment was like, such as whether it was once underwater.

Front

What types of organisms can become fossils?

Back

Plants, animals, and even tiny organisms like bacteria can become fossils.

Front

What is sedimentary rock?

Back

Sedimentary rock is a type of rock that forms from layers of sediment, often containing fossils.

Front

How do paleontologists study fossils?

Back

Paleontologists study fossils by excavating them, analyzing their structure, and comparing them to modern organisms.

Front

What is the fossilization process?

Back

The fossilization process involves the preservation of remains through burial, mineralization, and time.