Fossils

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism, often found in sedimentary rock.

Front

What is the first step in the fossilization process?

Back

An organism dies and the soft parts decay.

Front

What happens to layers of sediment over time?

Back

They build pressure that can turn the layers into stone.

Front

How do fossils get exposed to the surface?

Back

Through wind and water erosion.

Front

What is the role of minerals in fossilization?

Back

Minerals around the skeleton can preserve the bones.

Front

Why are some animals safer from predators?

Back

Because they can blend into their environments.

Front

What is one reason scientists believe many prehistoric organisms are extinct?

Back

Loss of habitat.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What can fossils tell us about an organism?

Back

Fossils can tell us how long ago an organism lived, where it lived, and how it lived.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

Which layer of sedimentary rock contains the oldest fossils?

Back

The bottom layer, often referred to as Layer 4.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is sedimentary rock?

Back

Rock formed by the accumulation of sediments, often containing fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1