Science DPM Review: Fossils

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Fossils are the remains or traces of organisms that lived long ago.

Front

What can scientists infer from fossils found in the same area?

Back

Scientists can infer that the ecosystems were similar even though they were separated by many years.

Front

Where should geologists look to find the oldest rocks in a formation?

Back

Geologists should look in the rock formation closest to the ground.

Front

What does it mean if fossil A is much older than fossil B?

Back

It means that the ecosystems may have been similar, but they existed in different time periods.

Front

What can be said about the environmental conditions when fossils are similar to present-day plants?

Back

The present-day annual rainfall and temperature are similar to the environmental conditions from the time when the fossils were formed.

Front

True or False: Fossils are the remains of organisms that lived long ago.

Back

False.

Front

What type of environment might be indicated by finding a fern frond and a leaf from a hardwood tree together?

Back

It might indicate a similar ecosystem that existed in the past.

Front

What is the significance of rock layers in understanding fossils?

Back

Rock layers help determine the relative ages of fossils found within them.

Front

What can scientists learn from the La Brea Tar Pits?

Back

They can learn about the types of plants and animals that lived in that area long ago.

Front

What does it mean if a fossil is found in a higher rock layer?

Back

It is generally younger than fossils found in lower rock layers.