fossils

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What is a fossil?

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

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How is a fossil formed?

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A fossil is formed when an animal or plant dies, is buried by sediment, and over time, the sediment hardens into rock, preserving the remains.

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What is amber?

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Amber is hardened tree sap that can trap small organisms, preserving them as fossils.

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What can sharp teeth in a fossil tell us?

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Sharp teeth suggest that the animal was a meat-eater (carnivore).

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What types of remains are commonly found in fossils?

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Common remains found in fossils include bones, teeth, and shells.

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What do scientists learn from studying fossils?

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Scientists learn about plants and animals that lived millions of years ago 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 rock.

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What is a mold in fossil formation?

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

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What is a cast in fossil formation?

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A cast is a solid copy of the shape of an organism that forms when minerals fill a mold.

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What does it mean if a fossil is found in a wet environment?

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It suggests that the conditions were suitable for the preservation of the organism's remains.