Quiz #13- Fossils & Geologic Time Scale

What is a fossil?

• A living organism found in rocks

• The remains of an organism preserved by molds or casts

• A type of rock formed from lava

• A plant that grows in rocky areas

What does fossilization refer to?

• The process of creating new organisms

• The process of animals or plants being preserved, saved, and solidified

• The breaking down of rocks into soil

• The growth of plants in rocky areas

What is the geologic time scale?

• A tool for measuring the weight of rocks

• A chronological record of time periods according to Earth's rock layers and fossils found

• A method for dating living organisms

• A scale for measuring the height of mountains

What is the definition of taphonomy?

• The study of ancient climates

• The study of fossilization processes

• The study of rock formations

• The study of animal behavior

What can happen to remains of an organism?

• They can only decay

• They can become fossilized

• They can turn into water

• They can disappear completely

What is a depositional environment?

• A place where rocks are destroyed

• A place where sediments accumulate

• A place where fossils are eroded

• A place where organisms are born

Why do mollusks have excellent fossil record?

• They live in trees

• They have hard shells

• They are very large

• They are very colorful

Why would organisms of species that do not have bones have a poor fossil record?

• They are too small

• They decompose quickly

• They are too colorful

• They are too fast

What role does oxygen play in fossilization?

• It speeds up decay

• It prevents decay

• It colors the fossils

• It melts the fossils

What can happen to remains of an organism?

• They can grow into new organisms

• They may be scavenged, broken, or transported long distances before being buried

• They can turn into diamonds

• They can evaporate