Fossils

Fossils provide clues to... (pg 213)

• past geologic events, climates, and evolution of living things over time.
• past weather, cloud cover, and changes in seasons.
• recent events in human history.
• the earliest development of the solar system.

(pg 213) Which term best matches this description: "The type of rock in which almost all fossils are discovered."

• fossil
• paleontology
• sedimentary rock
• igneous or highly metamorphosed rock

(pg 213) Which term best matches this description: "The study of fossils."

• fossil
• paleontology
• sedimentary rock
• igneous or highly metamorphosed rock

(pg 213) Which term best matches this description: "The remains or traces of plants that lived in a previous geologic time."

• fossil
• paleontology
• sedimentary rock
• igneous or highly metamorphosed rock

(pg 213) Which term best matches this description: "Rock type in which fossils are rare."

• fossil
• paleontology
• sedimentary rock
• igneous or highly metamorphosed rock

Why are most fossils found in sedimentary rocks? (pg 213)

• The sediments that cover the fossils slow or stop the process of decay and protect the body of the dead organism from damage.

• The intense heat and pressure of the sedimentary rocks "flash" preserves the fossil.

• Sedimentary rocks are less likely to be destroyed by processes such as erosion.

Why are fossils so rare in igneous or highly metamorphosed rock? (pg 213)

• Intense heat, pressure, and chemical reactions that occur during the formation of these rock types destroy most organic structures.

• Igneous and metamorphic rocks are not exposed to the extreme conditions that sedimentary rocks can be exposed to.

• Igneous and metamorphic rocks are very rare on Earth, only making up <1% of all rocks on Earth.

(pg 214) Which of the following best describes fossils?

• Most dead animals will be preserved as fossils.
• Very few organisms will be preserved as fossils. 
• Any hard part (such as bones and shells) will usually turn into a fossil. 
• Fossils preserve the original organism. 

(214) What usually happens to dead plants or animals?

• a. They become fossils.
• b. They just stay where they are. 
• c. They are eaten by other animals or decomposed by bacteria.
• d. Nothing happens to them.

Pg 214 - Which type of organisms usually become fossils?

• a. organisms that are buried quickly or protected from decay

• b. organisms that are ignored by passing animals

• c. organisms that live in water

• d. organisms that do not have hard outer shells