Fossils and Geological Processes Quick Flashcard

Front

What is amber?

Back

Amber is a fossilized tree resin that can preserve organisms trapped inside it.

Front

Why do bones and teeth often become fossils?

Back

Bones and teeth are hard parts of organisms, which makes them less likely to decay and more likely to be preserved as fossils.

Front

Which layer of sedimentary rock contains the oldest fossils?

Back

The oldest fossils are found in the lowest layer of sedimentary rock.

Front

How do you sequence rock layers from oldest to youngest?

Back

You start from the bottom layer, which is the oldest, and move up to the top layer, which is the youngest.

Front

What is a cast fossil?

Back

A cast fossil is a type of fossil that looks just like the body part of a once-living organism.

Front

What is a mold fossil?

Back

A mold fossil is an impression left in sediment that shows the shape of an organism.

Front

What is petrified wood?

Back

Petrified wood is wood that has turned into stone through the process of mineralization.

Front

What are sedimentary rocks?

Back

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediment, which can include minerals, organic matter, and other materials.

Front

What is the significance of fossil layers in geology?

Back

Fossil layers help scientists understand the history of life on Earth and the age of the rocks.

Front

What is the process of fossilization?

Back

Fossilization is the process by which organic material is preserved in sedimentary rock over time.