Dinosaur Fossil Study

Which question can scientists most likely answer from studying the fossil of the dinosaur?

• What was the pattern on the skin of the dinosaur?

• What was the type of food the dinosaur ate?

• How fast was the heart of the dinosaur beating?

• How many eggs were in the nest of the dinosaur?

Scientists have uncovered palm plant fossils in Alaska, the northern-most state of the United States. Modern-day palm plants grow in tropical climates. A picture of a palm fossil that measures almost one meter across is shown. This discovery suggests to scientists that this area in Alaska once was —

• A. covered with an ocean

• B. warmer than it is now

• C. populated by polar bears

• D. changed by earthquakes

Based on the information in the tables, which two fossils would most likely be found together in the same rock?

• Fish skull and cactus

• Mouse skull and seaweed

• Alligator toe bone and fern

• Shark’s tooth and marsh grass

Fossils are best used as evidence about which of these?

• The processes that change rocks over time.

• How best to conserve natural resources.

• The plants and animals that lived long ago.

• What forces drive the water cycle on Earth.

Finding the fossils of trees in an area that is currently a desert without much life might tell us that the area, millions of years ago –

• was heavily eroded by strong winds.

• received enough rain to support a forest.

• suffered very powerful earthquakes.

• was destroyed by the impact of meteorites.

During a museum field trip, students observe the fossil remains of a woolly mammoth. The sign next to the fossil remains is shown below.

Woolly Mammoth

-Long, hairy coat

-Thick layer of wool next to the skin

-Extra fat stored beneath the skin

-Small ears and short tail

Based on this information, in which type of environment did the woolly mammoth live? Use evidence from the sign to support your answer.