Fossils

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What is a fossil?

Back

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

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What do fossils tell us about past life?

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Fossils provide evidence of the types of organisms that lived in the past, their environment, and how they evolved over time.

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What is the significance of the depth of a fossil in the ground?

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The depth of a fossil can indicate its age; generally, the deeper the fossil, the older it is.

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What are casts in relation to fossils?

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Casts are replicas of fossils created to preserve the original fossil and allow for display without damage.

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Which type of organism is commonly found preserved in amber?

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Insects are commonly found preserved in amber.

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What does it mean if a fossil is found in a lower layer of soil?

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It means that the organism lived earlier in time compared to those found in higher layers.

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What are the two main types of fossils?

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The two main types of fossils are body fossils (actual remains) and trace fossils (evidence of activity, like footprints).

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How do scientists determine the age of fossils?

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Scientists use methods like radiometric dating and stratigraphy to determine the age of fossils.

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What is sedimentary rock?

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Sedimentary rock is a type of rock formed by the accumulation of sediments, often where fossils are found.

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What is a paleontologist?

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A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to understand past life and environments.