Fossils and Changing Environments

Trace or remains of an organism that lived long ago

• fossil
• index fossil

Fossils can form when insects are trapped in soft sticky tree sap called

• asphalt.
• amber.

Trace fossils made from preserved animal dung are called

• burrows.
• coprolites.

Finding _____ organisms in a dry area indicates that the climate of the Rocky Mountain region was very different 320 million years ago.

• land
• marine

Which of the following is NOT an example of a fossil?

• frog trapped in amber
• ammonite buried in rock
• mammoth preserved in ice
• deer footprint in your backyard

Which of the following is NOT an example of a fossil?

• bone buried by a dog
• saber tooth cat in tar pit
• dinosaur footprint
• petrified bone

Which of the following is NOT an example of a fossil?

• carbon film
• mold
• seashell on the beach
• cast

fossilized structure that was formed in sedimentary rock by animal activity on or within soft sediment

• fossil
• trace fossil

Which of the following is true about trace fossils?

• Running footprints are farther apart than walking footprints.
• Walking footprints are farther apart than running footprints.
• Speed does not affect distance between footprints.

Today, the Rocky Mts are home to eagles, wolves and bears. Fossils of marine organisms, such as Crinoid fossils, have been found in this area. They are still found in oceans today. Explain.

• Crinoids were land organisms millions of years ago.
• The Rocky Mt region's environment has changed over millions of years.