Fossils and Ancient Environments Quiz

What is a fossil?

• A type of living animal

• The remains or traces of plants and animals from long ago

• A kind of rock that forms in volcanoes

• A tool used by scientists

Which of the following is most likely to become a fossil?

• A plastic toy

• A leaf that falls into mud and is quickly covered

• A glass bottle

• A metal spoon

What can fossils tell us about the past?

• What the weather is like today

• What kinds of plants and animals lived long ago

• How to build a house

• How to cook food

If you find a fish fossil in a desert, what does it most likely mean?

• The desert was always dry

• The area was once covered by water

• Fish can live in sand

• The fossil was made by the wind

Which part of a dinosaur is most likely to become a fossil?

• Its skin

• Its bones

• Its voice

• Its thoughts

Why do scientists study fossils?

• To learn about the future

• To learn about ancient life and environments

• To make jewelry

• To find gold

A fossil of a palm tree is found in a place that is now cold and snowy. What does this suggest?

• Palm trees can grow in snow

• The area used to have a warm climate

• The fossil was moved there by people

• Palm trees are made of ice

Which of these is NOT a type of fossil?

• A dinosaur bone

• A footprint in rock

• A living bird

• A leaf imprint in stone

If you find a fossil of a sea shell on top of a mountain, what can you infer?

• The mountain was always there

• The area was once under the sea

• Sea shells can fly

• The fossil is fake

What do you call a scientist who studies fossils?

• Astronaut

• Paleontologist

• Chef

• Botanist