Fossils, Fossils, & More Fossils

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism, often found in rocks.

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What is a cast fossil?

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A cast fossil is a type of fossil that forms when a mold of an organism is filled with minerals, creating a replica of the original.

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What is a mold fossil?

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A mold fossil is an impression left in sediment or rock by an organism, showing its shape.

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Why are fern fossils common?

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Ferns are common in the fossil record because they have changed little over millions of years.

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What does it mean if a species is extinct?

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A species is extinct when there are no living members of that species left on Earth.

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What is petrified wood?

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

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What can fossils tell us about the past?

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Fossils provide information about what life was like on Earth millions of years ago, including the types of organisms that existed.

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What is the difference between a fossil and a footprint?

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A fossil is a preserved part of an organism, while a footprint is a trace fossil that shows the impression of an organism's foot.

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How do scientists date fossils?

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Scientists date fossils using methods like radiometric dating, which measures the decay of radioactive elements.

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What is a trace fossil?

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