Fossils and Paleontology Concepts

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a living organism from a long time ago.

Front

What types of things can become fossils?

Back

Plants and animals can become fossils, but soft body parts usually do not.

Front

What is paleontology?

Back

Paleontology is the study of fossils and ancient life.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment is small pieces of rock, soil, and other materials that can cover and preserve fossils.

Front

What happens to an animal after it dies in order for it to become a fossil?

Back

The animal must be quickly buried under sediment.

Front

Why can't soft body parts become fossils?

Back

Soft body parts decay quickly and do not get preserved like bones or shells.

Front

What is the first step in fossil formation?

Back

The animal dies.

Front

What is the last step in fossil formation?

Back

The fossil is exposed over time due to erosion.

Front

Where are fossils most commonly found?

Back

Fossils are often found in sedimentary rock, which forms in water.

Front

What can footprints tell us about ancient animals?

Back

Footprints can show us how the animal walked and what it looked like.