The Fossil Record

Front

What are trace fossils?

Back

Trace fossils are fossils that provide information about the activities of organisms, such as how they moved, rested, or burrowed.

Front

What happens to specimens in the fossil record over time?

Back

As time goes on, specimens in the fossil record become more complex.

Front

What is a paleontologist?

Back

A paleontologist is a scientist who studies the fossil record to learn more about life on Earth.

Front

Which organisms were believed to have once walked on land?

Back

Whales were believed to have once walked on land.

Front

What are mold fossils?

Back

Mold fossils are spaces in rock created by decayed and/or dissolved animal and plant remains.

Front

What is a cast fossil?

Back

A cast fossil is a type of fossil that forms when a mold is filled with sediment or minerals, creating a replica of the original organism.

Front

What is the significance of the fossil record?

Back

The fossil record provides evidence of the history of life on Earth, showing how organisms have changed over time.

Front

What are body fossils?

Back

Body fossils are the preserved remains of the actual organism, such as bones, teeth, or shells.

Front

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

Back

A mold fossil is an impression left in sediment, while a cast fossil is formed when the mold is filled with material.

Front

How do fossils form?

Back

Fossils form through processes such as burial, mineralization, and the preservation of remains in sediment.