Fossils

Front

What is amber?

Back

Amber is a type of fossil formed from tree sap that has hardened and been replaced by minerals.

Front

What replaces the wood in petrified wood?

Back

Minerals replace the wood of a once-living organism to form petrified wood.

Front

What can scientists infer from finding a fish fossil in the desert?

Back

Scientists can infer that the area was once covered by water.

Front

What is a petrified fossil?

Back

A fossil formed when minerals replace all or part of an organism.

Front

Which organism is most likely to become fossilized in the next million years?

Back

A giraffe is more likely to become fossilized compared to a butterfly, octopus, or earthworm.

Front

What is a mold fossil?

Back

A mold fossil is a hollow impression left in sediment when an organism decays.

Front

What is a cast fossil?

Back

A cast fossil is formed when minerals fill a mold and create a replica of the original organism.

Front

What are trace fossils?

Back

Trace fossils are evidence of an organism's activity, such as footprints or burrows.

Front

What conditions are necessary for fossilization?

Back

Fossilization typically requires rapid burial and the presence of hard parts like bones or shells.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in understanding Earth's history?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life and help scientists understand the evolution of species and changes in environments.