Fossils

Front

What is a mold in the context of fossils?

Back

A mold is a mark or cavity in a rock where a plant or animal was buried.

Front

What does a paleontologist study?

Back

A paleontologist studies past life, including plants and animals that lived long ago.

Front

In what type of material are fossils most often preserved?

Back

Fossils are most often preserved in rock.

Front

What is an example of a fossil found in sedimentary rock?

Back

A deer leg bone is an example of a fossil found in sedimentary rock.

Front

Which organism is most likely to be found fossilized in amber?

Back

A beetle is most likely to be found fossilized in amber.

Front

What is a trace fossil?

Back

A trace fossil is a type of fossil that provides evidence of the activity of ancient organisms, such as footprints or burrows.

Front

What is a coprolite?

Back

A coprolite is fossilized dung, which provides information about the diet of ancient animals.

Front

What are index fossils?

Back

Index fossils are fossils of organisms that were widespread but only existed for a short period of time, used to date the rock layers.

Front

How do fossils form?

Back

Fossils form when organisms are buried quickly by sediment, which protects them from decay and allows mineralization to occur.

Front

What is the significance of sedimentary rock in paleontology?

Back

Sedimentary rock is significant because it is where most fossils are found, as it forms from layers of sediment that can trap and preserve organisms.