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What are fossils?

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

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What can scientists learn from fossils?

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Scientists can learn about the size, shape, and behavior of ancient organisms, as well as the environment they lived in.

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What is a paleontologist?

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A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to understand life that existed long ago.

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How do fossils form?

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Fossils form when organisms are buried under layers of sediment, which hardens over time, preserving their shape.

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What type of environment is needed for fossil formation?

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Fossils often form in environments where organisms can be quickly buried, such as riverbeds, lakes, or ocean floors.

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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 cover organisms.

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What can the size of a fossilized leaf tell us?

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The size of a fossilized leaf can indicate the type of plant and the climate it grew in.

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What does it mean if a fossil has gills and fins?

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It means the organism likely lived in water, as gills and fins are adaptations for aquatic life.

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What is an impression fossil?

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An impression fossil is formed when an organism leaves a mark in sediment that hardens, showing its shape.

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What is a trace fossil?

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A trace fossil is evidence of an organism's activity, such as footprints or burrows, rather than the organism itself.