Understanding Fossils

What are fossils?

• The remains of plants and animals that lived a long time ago.

• The rocks formed by lava.

• The shells of sea creatures.

• The bones of living animals.

What can fossils tell us about the past?

• They explain how to play sports.

• They help us build houses.

• They tell us about life on Earth many years ago.

• They show us how to cook.

How do fossils form?

• When plants grow in sunlight.

• When plants and animals are buried under dirt, sand, or mud.

• When animals swim in the ocean.

• When rocks break apart.

What happens to the remains of plants and animals over time to become fossils?

• They turn into dust.

• They float away in water.

• They disappear completely.

• They are buried and change into rock.

If a dinosaur bone is found in your backyard, what type of fossil is it?

• Mold fossil

• Body fossil

• Cast fossil

• Trace fossil

Which type of fossil includes actual parts of a plant or animal?

• Body fossils

• Mold fossils

• Cast fossils

• Trace fossils

What do trace fossils show?

• The actual parts of plants or animals.

• Signs of the activity of plants or animals.

• The colors of ancient plants.

• The shapes of rocks.

Which of the following is an example of a mold and cast fossil?

• A dinosaur bone.

• A shell that is filled with minerals.

• A leaf that falls from a tree.

• A footprint in mud that later hardens.

Why is studying fossils important?

• It helps us find treasure.

• It shows us how to grow plants.

• It helps us learn about how life has changed on Earth.

• It tells us about the weather today.

Where can fossils be found?

• Only in museums.

• In places like cliffs, mountains, and backyards.

• Only in the ocean.

• Only in deserts.