Fossils

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What is a fossil?

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

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What is the role of a paleontologist?

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

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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Which layer of sedimentary rock is the oldest?

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The bottom layer is the oldest layer of sedimentary rock.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

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What is the process of fossilization?

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Fossilization is the process where a plant or animal is buried by sediment, which eventually hardens into rock.

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What must happen first for a fossil to form?

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A plant or animal must die and decompose before it can become a fossil.

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What is sediment?

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Sediment is small particles of rock, minerals, and organic material that accumulate over time.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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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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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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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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How do fossils help scientists?

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Fossils help scientists understand the history of life, evolution, and past environments.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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What is the Law of Superposition?

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The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed layers of rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4