Fossils and Absolute Age Dating

While exploring a hiking trail, Avery and Charlotte found some imprints of dinosaur footprints on a rock. These are examples of fossils that are not the actual organism but evidence of that organism's existence.

• index fossils

• trace fossils

• petrified fossils

• original preservation

Answer explanation

Trace fossils are not the actual remains of the organism but rather evidence of their activity, such as footprints or burrows, indicating their existence. This distinguishes them from other fossil types.

During a science class, Grace and Mia were discussing how different conditions can preserve remains. Which of the following is a condition that will preserve remains?

• amber

• frozen in permafrost

• tar

• all of these are correct

Answer explanation

All listed conditions—amber, frozen in permafrost, and tar—can preserve remains by protecting them from decay and environmental factors, making 'all of these are correct' the right choice.

During a school field trip to a natural history museum, Olivia and Maya learned about ancient creatures. The guide showed them some fossilized feces and asked, "What are these called?"

• coprolites

• index fossils

• gastroliths

• amber

Answer explanation

Fossilized feces are known as coprolites. They provide valuable information about the diet and behavior of ancient organisms, distinguishing them from other fossil types like index fossils or amber.

During a school trip to a natural history museum, Emma learned about smooth stones that dinosaurs swallowed to help digestion. What are these stones called?

• coprolites

• index fossils

• gastroliths

• amber

Answer explanation

Gastroliths are smooth stones that dinosaurs swallowed to aid in digestion. They helped grind food in the stomach, similar to how birds use stones for this purpose.

During a science class, Oliver found a piece of hardened tree sap in the school garden. What is this substance called?

• coprolites

• index fossils

• gastroliths

• amber

Answer explanation

Hardened tree sap is known as amber. It is fossilized resin that can preserve ancient organisms, making it significant in paleontology. The other options, such as coprolites and gastroliths, refer to different geological materials.

During a school field trip to a natural history museum, Rohan and Sophia learned about fossils that haven't changed over time, with all tissues still intact. What type of fossils are these?

• index fossils

• trace fossils 

• petrified fossils

• preserved remains

Answer explanation

Preserved remains are fossils where all tissues are intact and have not changed over time, making them distinct from other types like index or trace fossils.

During a school field trip to a natural history museum, Arjun and Abigail were fascinated by the different types of fossils on display. The guide explained that some fossils are not the remains of the organism itself but rather evidence of its activities. Which of the following is an example of such a trace fossil?

• petrified wood

• index fossils

• gastroliths

• amber

Answer explanation

Gastroliths are stones ingested by animals to aid digestion, making them a trace fossil. They provide evidence of behavior rather than the organism itself, unlike petrified wood, index fossils, or amber.

During a school field trip to a natural history museum, Grace and Mason learned about different types of fossils. Which of the following is an example of a trace fossil?

• coprolites

• index fossils

• petrified wood

• amber

Answer explanation

Coprolites are fossilized feces, which provide evidence of past life and behavior, making them a type of trace fossil. In contrast, index fossils, petrified wood, and amber are not trace fossils.

While exploring a remote area, Liam and Kai discovered some ancient remains. They noticed that these remains were modified bone, wood, or shell in which all the organic material was replaced with minerals in sediment. What type of fossils did they find?

• preserved remains

• petrified fossils

• index fossils

• trace fossils

Answer explanation

Petrified fossils are formed when organic material, like bone or wood, is replaced by minerals, resulting in a fossil that retains the original structure but is entirely mineralized. This matches the description given.

While exploring a rocky area, Charlotte found a hollowed out impression in a rock that was the same shape as a leaf. What is this type of fossil called?

• cast

• mold

• trace fossil 

• index fossil 

Answer explanation

A mold is a hollowed-out impression in a rock that reflects the shape of an organism. In contrast, a cast is a solid copy, while trace fossils show evidence of activity, and index fossils help date rock layers.