Fossils 5.7D

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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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How do fossils form?

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Fossils form when organisms are buried by sediment, which hardens over time, preserving their shape and structure.

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What can fossils tell us about the past?

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Fossils provide information about the types of organisms that lived in a particular area, their environment, and how they interacted with each other.

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What is sediment?

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Sediment is small particles of rock, soil, and organic material that can accumulate and eventually form sedimentary rock.

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What is the significance of plant fossils?

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Plant fossils can provide insights into ancient climates, ecosystems, and the types of vegetation that existed in the past.

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What type of environment is likely to produce fossils?

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Fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary environments such as rivers, lakes, and oceans where organisms can be buried quickly.

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

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A mold fossil is an impression left in sediment, while a cast fossil is formed when minerals fill in the mold, creating a replica of the original organism.

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What can the shape of a dinosaur's limbs tell us?

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The shape of a dinosaur's limbs can indicate whether it was adapted for walking on land or swimming in water.

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What is the role of paleontologists?

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Paleontologists are scientists who study fossils to understand the history of life on Earth.

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What does the term 'extinct' mean?

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Extinct refers to a species that no longer exists anywhere on Earth.