Fossil Review (3a.)

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived long ago.

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Why are fossils important to study?

Back

Fossils are important because they provide evidence of organisms that lived in the past and help us understand the history of life on Earth.

Front

What can fossils tell us about an animal's habitat?

Back

Fossils can provide clues about the environment where the animal lived, such as whether it was in water or on land.

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What does it mean if a fossil has dorsal fins?

Back

Dorsal fins suggest that the animal lived in a water environment, like an ocean or lake.

Front

What can we infer if we find a fish fossil in the desert?

Back

We can infer that the area was once covered by water long ago.

Front

What type of teeth might indicate a carnivorous animal?

Back

Sharp teeth usually indicate that the animal was a carnivore, meaning it ate meat.

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What type of teeth might indicate a herbivorous animal?

Back

Flat teeth usually indicate that the animal was a herbivore, meaning it ate plants.

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What is an example of an animal that might leave a fossil?

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Examples include dinosaurs, fish, and ancient plants.

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How do fossils form?

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Fossils form when an organism is buried by sediment, which hardens over time into rock.

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What is a paleontologist?

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A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to learn about past life on Earth.