FOSSILS

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a living organism from a long time ago, often found in rocks.

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How do fossils form?

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Fossils form when an organism dies and is buried by sediment. Over time, minerals replace the organic material, creating a fossil.

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What can fossils tell us about the past?

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Fossils can provide information about what organisms lived in the past, their habitats, and how they interacted with their environment.

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What is sediment?

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Sediment is small particles of rock, soil, and organic material that can accumulate and eventually form sedimentary rocks.

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What is the role of minerals in fossil formation?

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Minerals fill in the spaces of the organism's remains, helping to create a fossil that can last for millions of years.

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What is an imprint fossil?

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An imprint fossil is formed when an organism leaves a mark or impression in sediment that hardens over time.

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What type of environment is best for fossil formation?

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Wet environments, like riverbeds or lakes, are best for fossil formation because they help preserve the remains.

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What is a paleontologist?

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A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to learn about the history of life on Earth.

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What can the shape of a fossil tell us?

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The shape of a fossil can provide clues about the organism's size, shape, and how it lived.

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What is a trace fossil?

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A trace fossil is a type of fossil that shows evidence of an organism's activity, such as footprints or burrows.