Exploring Fossils and Ancient Life

How do scientists know what plants and animals lived on Earth millions of years ago?

• By studying the weather patterns

• By examining fossils

• By observing current animals

• By reading ancient books

What can fossils of teeth and bones tell scientists about ancient animals?

• The color of the animal

• The type of food the animal ate

• The animal's favorite habitat

• The animal's lifespan

What is a paleontologist?

• A scientist who studies stars

• A scientist who studies fossils

• A scientist who studies plants

• A scientist who studies rocks

How are fossils formed when animals leave footprints in mud?

• The footprints are washed away by rain

• The mud hardens and turns into rock

• The footprints are filled with water

• The mud is eaten by other animals

What can a fossil of a fish found in a mountainous area tell scientists?

• The mountains were once covered in ice

• The land was once covered in water

• The fish could fly

• The mountains were formed by volcanoes

What are some examples of fossils?

• Clouds and rain

• Teeth, bones, and shells

• Leaves and flowers

• Sand and mud

Why do layers of earth build up on top of dead plants and animals?

• To protect them from predators

• Due to natural processes over time

• Because animals bury them

• To keep them warm

What does the shape of a fossil in rock represent?

• The color of the original plant or animal

• The hard parts of the plant or animal

• The sound the animal made

• The smell of the plant or animal