Fossils

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a plant or animal that lived in the past.

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How are fossils formed?

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Fossils are formed when an organism dies, is buried under sediment, and over time, pressure and minerals create a rock-like structure.

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What does sediment mean?

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Sediment refers to small pieces of rock, soil, or organic material that settle at the bottom of a body of water.

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What is the significance of layers of sediment?

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Layers of sediment can show the history of the Earth and the organisms that lived at different times.

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What is an impression fossil?

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

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What is a cast fossil?

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A cast fossil is created when minerals fill in the impression of an organism, creating a replica of its shape.

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What does it mean when we say an area was once underwater?

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It means that the area was covered by water in the past, which can lead to the formation of fossils.

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What is a trace fossil?

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

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Why are some fossils found in layers?

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Fossils are found in layers because sediment builds up over time, burying the remains of organisms.

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What is the role of pressure in fossil formation?

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Pressure helps to compress the sediment and the remains of the organism, turning them into rock.