Quiz on Vertebrate History in Rocks

What is a fossil?

• A mineral deposit

• A plant species

• The remains of a living thing

• A type of rock

Where are fossils usually found?

• Igneous rocks

• Metamorphic rocks

• Sedimentary rocks

• Granite rocks

What process helps form fossils?

• Sedimentation

• Volcanic activity

• Chemical replacement

• Erosion

What do paleontologists look for when searching for fossils?

• Large rocks

• Maps and satellite images

• Water sources

• Animal tracks

What tools do paleontologists use to excavate fossils?

• Pickaxes and shovels

• Brushes and small shovels

• Saws and drills

• Hammers and chisels

Why do paleontologists wrap fossils in soft materials?

• To make them heavier

• To clean them

• To keep them safe during transport

• To display them

What is the purpose of cleaning fossils in the lab?

• To make them look pretty

• To remove rock and dirt

• To preserve them forever

• To display them in museums

What can paleontologists learn from studying fossils?

• The colors of ancient plants

• The types of rocks in the area

• The size and diet of ancient organisms

• The weather patterns of the past

How do paleontologists determine the age of a fossil?

• By measuring its size

• By comparing it to modern species

• By using radiometric dating

• By examining its color

What do fossils help scientists recreate?

• Current climates

• Future environments

• Ancient ecosystems

• Modern ecosystems