Fossils Quiz for Grade 6

How do fossils help scientists understand the history of the Earth?

• Predicting future events

• Providing evidence of past life forms

• Showing the current behavior of animals

• Indicating climate patterns

Answer explanation

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms, allowing scientists to study the types of organisms that existed, their evolution, and how they interacted with their environment, which is crucial for understanding Earth's history.

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Which of the following best describes the process of fossilization?

• Organisms are buried, decompose, and leave an impression

• Organisms melt and then solidify

• Organisms freeze and then thaw

• Organisms burn and then cool down

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes fossilization accurately: organisms are buried, decompose over time, and leave behind impressions or traces, which can become fossils. The other options do not represent the fossilization process.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What type of fossil is formed when minerals replace all or part of an organism?

• Mold fossil

• Trace fossil

• Petrified fossil

• Impression fossil

Answer explanation

A petrified fossil forms when minerals replace all or part of an organism, turning it into stone. This process preserves the original structure, unlike mold or impression fossils, which do not involve mineral replacement.

What is a fossil?

• A type of rock

• Remains or traces of ancient life

• A type of mineral

• A type of plant

Answer explanation

A fossil is defined as the remains or traces of ancient life, such as bones, shells, or imprints. This distinguishes it from rocks, minerals, or plants, making the correct choice clear.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is the first step in the fossil formation process?

• Erosion

• Burial

• Decomposition

• Sedimentation

Answer explanation

The first step in fossil formation is sedimentation, where layers of sediment accumulate over time, covering organic material. This process is crucial as it protects the remains from erosion and decomposition, allowing fossilization to occur.

Which of the following is a type of fossil?

• Igneous rock

• Sedimentary rock

• Mold fossil

• Metamorphic rock

Answer explanation

A mold fossil is a type of fossil formed when an organism leaves an impression in sediment, which later hardens. In contrast, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are types of rock, not fossils.

What is a trace fossil?

• A fossil of a complete organism

• A fossil that shows evidence of an organism's activity

• A fossil made of minerals

• A fossil found in igneous rock

Answer explanation

A trace fossil is not a complete organism but rather shows evidence of an organism's activity, such as footprints or burrows, making the second choice the correct answer.

What process involves the solidification of sediments into rock, preserving fossils within?

• Erosion

• Lithification

• Fusion

• Evaporation

Answer explanation

The process of lithification involves the compaction and cementation of sediments, transforming them into solid rock. This process can preserve fossils within the rock, making lithification the correct answer.

What can fossils tell us about the history of the Earth?

• The age of the Earth

• Past climates and environments

• The future of the Earth

• The current climate

Answer explanation

Fossils provide evidence of past climates and environments, revealing how ecosystems changed over time. They do not predict the future of the Earth, nor do they indicate its current climate or age.

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Which of the following is NOT a type of fossil?

• Trace fossil

• Mold fossil

• Igneous fossil

• Mold fossil

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Igneous fossil' because it is not a recognized type of fossil. Fossils are typically classified as trace fossils, mold fossils, or cast fossils, but not igneous.

Tags

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