Fossil Formation and Types

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What is a cast fossil?

Back

A cast fossil is produced when a cavity created by a decaying organism is filled with sediment, forming a replica of the original organism.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What are the different types of fossils?

Back

Fossils can be petrified, trapped in amber, frozen in ice, or formed as molds and casts.

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What replaces the wood in petrified wood?

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Minerals replace the wood of a once-living organism to form petrified wood.

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What is a mold fossil?

Back

A mold fossil is a cavity left in sedimentary rock that reflects the shape of an organism.

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What is the significance of studying fossils?

Back

Scientists learn how life changed over time by studying the relationships between fossils.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What is amber?

Back

Amber is fossilized tree resin that can trap and preserve organisms.

Front

What is a trace fossil?

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A trace fossil is a record of the activity of an organism, such as footprints or burrows.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

How do fossils form?

Back

Fossils form through processes like sedimentation, mineralization, and preservation in various materials.

Front

What is the difference between a mold and a cast?

Back

A mold is an impression of an organism, while a cast is a replica formed by filling the mold with sediment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What can fossils tell us about Earth's history?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and environmental conditions on Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1