Geology and Fossils

Front

How are sediment layers formed over time?

Back

Sediment is deposited in horizontal layers that stack up and harden into rock. The oldest layers are on the bottom while the most recent layers are on top.

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Fossils are preserved parts or traces of animals or plants that lived in the past. They are clues to the past.

Front

How common is fossil formation?

Back

Fossil formation is not common.

Front

What can fossils and rock layers be used for?

Back

Fossils and rock layers can be used to interpret past events and environments.

Front

What do thick and thin layers of rock sediment indicate?

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Thick layers of rock sediment indicate slow changes to Earth’s surface, while thin layers indicate rapid changes.

Front

What does the fossil record represent?

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The fossil record is a story of Earth’s history buried in layers of rock.