Earth Science: Fossils

Why do scientists study fossils?

• To determine how we can prevent erosion caused by humans

• To discover new ways of generating energy

• To determine the best way to efficiently farm food

• To learn about the past history of life on Earth

Which of the following methods of fossil formation is formed by carbon residue?

• Amber fossil

• Carbonization

• Casts and molds

• Freezing

Which of the following methods of fossil formation is formed in dry areas due to a lack of moisture?

• Amber fossil

• Carbonization

• Casts and molds

• Freezing

• Mummification

Which of the following methods of fossil formation has occurred in the glaciers of the Arctic?

• Amber fossil

• Carbonization

• Casts and molds

• Freezing

• Mummification

Which of the following methods of fossil formation is formed when minerals fill in the space left from a living organism?

• Amber fossil

• Carbonization

• Casts and molds

• Freezing

• Mummification

Which of the following methods of fossil formation is formed when an organism is preserved in hardened tree sap?

• Amber fossil

• Carbonization

• Casts and molds

• Freezing

• Mummification

Which of the following is an example of a body fossil?

• Cast

• Animal Tracks

• Impressions

• Mold

• Bones

Fossils are generally found inside of what type of rocks?

• Metamorphic rocks

• Igneous rocks

• Sedimentary rocks

• Meteorites

What type of scientists study fossils?

• Physicists

• Paleontologists

• Biologists

What are gastroliths?

• Large dinosaurs who only ate plants

• A type of fossil formed when dinosaurs died under water

• Fossils formed on the shores of an eroded riverbed

• Rocks swallowed by dinosaurs to help digest food

• Bones of dinosaurs