What do Paleontologists do?

What do paleontologists do?

S3E2.a

I can use fossils found in an area to tell what that area was like long ago.

Essential Question?

How do paleontologists use fossils to know about living things that no longer exist?

Let's Dig Into Paleontology

• Paleontologists study study fossils to understand what the earth was like millions of years ago and what type of animals roamed the earth.

• By studying the fossil record paleontologists can see how long life existed on Earth and how different plants and animals are related to each other.

• Paleontologists can figure out how and where plants and animals lived and use this to find out more about ancient environments.

Multiple Choice

Scientists that study fossils to understand what the earth was like millions of years ago and what type of animals roamed the earth are called ___________________.

• Archaeologists

• Paleontologists

• Chemists

Open Ended

Why do paleontologists study fossils?

Let's take a look at some paleontologists dig sites!

Open Ended

This is a picture of a paleontologist searching for fossils in the badlands of Wyoming. What is happening in the photo? Look beyond the fossils you see. Look at what the paleontologist in the picture is doing, wearing, and using. Describe these things. What tools do you see? What do you think these tools are used for during a paleontology dig?

Open Ended

This is a picture of a full dinosaur tail being excavated in Northern Mexico. Study the picture. What is happening in the photo? Look beyond the fossils you see. Look at what the paleontologists in the picture are doing, wearing, and using. Describe these things. What tools do you see? What do you think these tools are used for during a paleontology dig? What can this fossil of a dinosaur tail tell us about this area?

Lesson Wrap Up

How do paleontologists use fossils to know about living things that no longer exist?

• Paleontologists can tell how long life has existed on earth.

• Paleontologists can tell how and where animals lived and use this information to find out about old habitats.

• Paleontologists can tell how different plants and animals are related to each other.

  
  

Poll

Do you understand what a paleontologist does and why?

• Yes, I understand what a paleontologist does and why?

• I am getting there.

• No, I don't understand and will need to review the lesson.