Ancient Things Quiz

What are fossils?

• New species of plants and animals

• The remains of ancient artifacts

• Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms

• Rocks formed from volcanic eruptions

How old must an organism's remains be to be considered a fossil?

• At least 100 years old

• At least 1,000 years old

• At least 10,000 years old

• At least 10,000 years old

Which of the following can become a fossil?

• Leaves

• Bones

• Footprints

• All of the above

What is the process called when minerals replace all or part of an organism?

• Carbonization

• Permineralization

• Freezing

• Mummification

Which type of rock are fossils most commonly found in?

• Igneous

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary

• Limestone

What does a paleontologist study?

• Stars and planets

• Ancient cultures and languages

• Fossils and ancient life

• Volcanoes and earthquakes

What is an example of a trace fossil?

• A dinosaur bone

• A shell or exoskeleton

• A footprint or burrow

• Petrified wood

Why are fossils important?

• They can be used as jewelry

• They provide clues about Earth's past

• They can be used as fuel

• They help in making maps

What is amber?

• A type of sedimentary rock

• Fossilized tree sap

• A mineral used in jewelry

• A color often found in fossils

How can scientists determine the age of fossils?

• By looking at their size

• By comparing them to modern organisms

• By using carbon dating

• By the depth at which they were found