How Do Fossils Form and What Do They Show?

Which is a step in the process of how animals become fossils?

• An animal dies high up on a mountain.

• The soft parts of an animal turn to rock.

• Most of the animal rots away, leaving only the skin.

• Sediment covers an animal's remains.

The oldest fossils are usually found...

• floating in rivers

• on ocean beaches

• deep underground

• on top of mountains

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The history of how life has changed on Earth over millions of years is revealed by

• history books

• animals living today

• the fossil record

• bones in the desert

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

If a scientist finds fossilized trees in what is now a desert area, the fossils are evidence that the

• area used to have no carnivores.

• area used to home to small animals.

• climate there was once rainy.

• climate there has not changed much

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Chen reads a book on how Earth has changed over time. He sees this picture that shows fossils of ancient sea organisms in a place that is now a desert. Which change most likely happened in this place?

• The climate became drier

• Sediment filled up the ocean.

• Predators ate the small sea animals

• Sea organisms moved to river areas.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Jenni goes to visit her uncle, a scientist who digs for fossils. She is excited to see all of these fossils together in one rock. She notices a pa"ern to the type of fossil in that rock. In which type of place were these fossils most likely formed?

• a warm desert

• a valley plain

• a shallow seabed

• a mountain meadow

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Kenji visits a museum and looks at the collection of fossils. He sees many different types of fossils from huge dinosaur bones to tiny shells. Below are some of the fossils he sees. Which of these fossils was made by an animal walking?

• Fossil A

• Fossil B

• Fossil C

• Fossil D