5.9D Fossils

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the past.

Front

In which type of rock are fossils typically found?

Back

Fossils are typically found in sedimentary rocks.

Front

What does the term 'sedimentary rock' mean?

Back

Sedimentary rock is a type of rock formed by the accumulation of sediments, often containing fossils.

Front

What is the significance of rock layers in understanding fossils?

Back

Rock layers help determine the age of fossils; the deeper the layer, the older the fossils it contains.

Front

What is the Law of Superposition?

Back

The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What type of organisms are typically found in the oldest rock layers?

Back

The oldest rock layers usually contain simple organisms, such as trilobites.

Front

What type of organisms are typically found in the youngest rock layers?

Back

The youngest rock layers typically contain more complex organisms, such as mammals.

Front

How can scientists determine the age of fossils?

Back

Scientists can determine the age of fossils by studying the rock layers they are found in and using radiometric dating.

Front

What is a trilobite?

Back

A trilobite is an extinct marine arthropod that lived during the Paleozoic era and is commonly found as a fossil.

Front

What are some examples of fossils?

Back

Examples of fossils include dinosaur bones, plant leaves, and footprints.