Fossils & Extinction

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism, typically found in sedimentary rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What are the main steps in the fossilization process?

Back

The main steps in the fossilization process include: 1) Death of the organism, 2) Burial by sediment, 3) Mineralization or preservation, 4) Erosion and exposure.

Front

What is the significance of the La Brea Tar Pits?

Back

The La Brea Tar Pits are significant because they are a rich source of well-preserved fossils from the Ice Age, providing insights into prehistoric life.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

Which animal is known to be both fossilized in the La Brea Tar Pits and still exists today?

Back

The mountain lion is known to be both fossilized in the La Brea Tar Pits and still exists today.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What role does erosion play in fossil exposure?

Back

Erosion plays a crucial role in fossil exposure by wearing away the overlying materials, allowing fossils buried deep in the earth to become visible.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What is the primary method used by scientists to clean fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits?

Back

Scientists use an asphalt liquifying solution to clean fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits.

Front

What type of diet did many animals from the La Brea Tar Pits have?

Back

Many animals from the La Brea Tar Pits were carnivorous, meaning they primarily ate meat.

Front

What is the difference between a body fossil and a trace fossil?

Back

A body fossil is the actual remains of an organism (like bones or shells), while a trace fossil is evidence of an organism's activity (like footprints or burrows).

Front

How can scientists determine the age of fossils?

Back

Scientists can determine the age of fossils using methods such as radiometric dating, stratigraphy, and biostratigraphy.

Front

What environmental conditions are necessary for fossilization to occur?

Back

Fossilization typically requires rapid burial, low oxygen levels, and the presence of sediment to protect the remains from decay.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1