The Fossil Record

Front

What is a transitional fossil?

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A transitional fossil is a type of fossil that shows the intermediate states between an ancestral form and that of its descendants, providing evidence of evolutionary change.

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What are trace fossils?

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Trace fossils are fossils that provide evidence of the activities of ancient organisms, such as footprints, burrows, or feces.

Front

When did fish evolve in relation to dinosaurs?

Back

Fish evolved before dinosaurs.

Front

What geologic process can help expose buried fossils?

Back

Earthquakes can help expose fossils that are buried under layers of rock.

Front

What is the significance of rock strata in paleontology?

Back

The order of rock strata helps paleontologists determine the relative ages of fossils, indicating which fossils are older or younger.

Front

What is a mold fossil?

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A mold fossil is a type of fossil that forms when an organism leaves an impression in sediment, which then hardens.

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What is a cast fossil?

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A cast fossil is created when a mold fossil is filled with minerals or sediment, forming a replica of the original organism.

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What role do volcanic eruptions play in fossil discovery?

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Volcanic eruptions can expose fossils by pushing them to the surface or by covering them with ash, which can later erode away.

Front

What is the difference between a mold and a cast fossil?

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A mold fossil is an impression of an organism, while a cast fossil is a three-dimensional replica formed when the mold is filled.

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How do paleontologists use fossils to understand Earth's history?

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Paleontologists study fossils to learn about past life forms, their environments, and how they evolved over time.