Fossils & Extinction

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the remains or traces of a prehistoric organism that has been preserved in rock.

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How do fossils form?

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Fossils form when an animal or plant is buried in mud or sediment, which hardens over time.

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What is extinction?

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Extinction is when a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth.

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What can fossils tell us about the past?

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Fossils can provide information about what the environment was like and how living things have changed over time.

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What is erosion?

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Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by wind, water, or ice.

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What are microfossils?

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Microfossils are tiny fossils that can help scientists learn about ancient environmental conditions.

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What is sediment?

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Sediment is small pieces of rock, soil, and organic material that can build up and form layers.

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What is the fossilization process?

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The fossilization process includes burial, sediment accumulation, and mineralization of the remains.

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What are trace fossils?

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Trace fossils are not remains of the organism itself but include things like footprints or bite marks.

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What is a paleontologist?

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A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to understand past life on Earth.