Fossils

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a living organism from a long time ago.

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What is amber?

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Amber is fossilized tree sap.

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What do paleontologists study?

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Paleontologists study fossils to learn about past life on Earth.

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What can fossils tell us about the environment?

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Fossils can provide clues about the environment where the organism lived, such as whether it was underwater or in a forest.

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What is the difference between hard and soft parts of an organism?

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Hard parts, like bones and shells, can become fossils, while soft parts, like skin and muscles, usually decompose.

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What is sedimentary rock?

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Sedimentary rock is a type of rock formed from layers of sediment, often containing fossils.

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How are fossils formed?

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Fossils are formed when an organism is buried quickly after death, preventing decay and allowing minerals to replace its hard parts.

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What is a paleontologist?

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A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils and ancient life.

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Why are some fossils older than others?

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Fossils are older than others based on the layers of rock they are found in; deeper layers are usually older.

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What is the significance of rock layers?

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Rock layers help scientists determine the age of fossils and the history of the Earth.