Fossils

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism, often found in sedimentary rock.

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What are the four main types of fossils?

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1. True Form Fossils: Actual remains of the organism (e.g., bones, shells). 2. Mold Fossils: Impressions left in rock. 3. Cast Fossils: Formed when a mold is filled with minerals. 4. Trace Fossils: Evidence of an organism's activity (e.g., footprints).

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What is a True Form fossil?

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A True Form fossil is the actual remains of an organism, such as bones or shells, preserved in rock.

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What is a Mold fossil?

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A Mold fossil is an impression left in rock that shows the shape of the organism.

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What is a Cast fossil?

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A Cast fossil is formed when a mold is filled with minerals, creating a replica of the original organism.

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What is a Trace fossil?

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A Trace fossil is evidence of an organism's activity, such as footprints, burrows, or nests.

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What do fossils teach us about?

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Fossils teach us about the past and the environment, including how organisms lived and interacted.

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Can soft body parts become fossils?

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No, soft body parts typically do not become fossils because they decompose quickly.

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

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Fossils, like footprints, can indicate how fast an animal ran or if it could swim.

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What is the significance of fossil layers?

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Fossil layers help scientists understand the timeline of life on Earth and the different eras in which organisms lived.