Fossils Flashcard

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What are fossils?

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Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms that lived in the past.

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In which type of rock are fossils most commonly found?

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Fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary rocks.

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What do fossils tell us about Earth's history?

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Fossils provide evidence of how life has changed over time and how Earth's surface has evolved.

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What is the principle of superposition in geology?

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The principle of superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

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How do scientists use rock layers to understand Earth's surface?

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Scientists examine rock layers and fossils to determine the order of deposition and changes in the environment over time.

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What is carbon dating?

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Carbon dating is a method used to determine the age of organic materials by measuring the amount of carbon-14 they contain.

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What type of environment do marine fossils indicate?

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Marine fossils indicate that the area was once covered by water, such as an ocean or sea.

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What is a trilobite?

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A trilobite is an extinct marine arthropod that lived during the Paleozoic era and is commonly found as a fossil.

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Why are sedimentary rocks important for studying fossils?

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Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation of sediments, which can trap and preserve fossils, providing a record of past life.

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What can fossils tell us about ancient climates?

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Fossils can provide clues about the climate in which ancient organisms lived, such as temperature and humidity.