Mass extinctions and Fossils

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is a trace or remains of organisms that lived long ago.

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What is the principle of superposition?

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In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

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What is an intrusion in geology?

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An intrusion is a body of igneous rock that has formed from magma that has cooled and solidified beneath the Earth's surface.

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What is a mass extinction?

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A mass extinction is a significant and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, where a large number of species become extinct in a relatively short period.

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What are some causes of mass extinctions?

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Major changes in environment or climate, asteroid impacts, volcanic eruptions, and overhunting.

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What does the term 'paleontology' refer to?

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

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What can fossils tell us about past environments?

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Fossils can provide information about the climate, geography, and ecosystems that existed in the past.

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What is the significance of the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event?

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It is known for the mass extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species, likely caused by an asteroid impact.

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How do scientists determine the age of fossils?

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Scientists use methods like radiometric dating and relative dating to determine the age of fossils.

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What is the difference between a fossil and a rock?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism, while a rock is a solid mass of minerals or mineral-like matter.