Fossils: Clues to the Past

Which of the following statements is true about fossils?

• The oldest fossils on record date back to the time of the first humans living in North America.

• Only large animals, like dinosaurs, mammoths, and saber-toothed cats, are capable of becoming fossilized.

• It is becoming harder and harder for scientists to find fossils, so paleontology is a dying profession.

• You are more likely to find a fossil after it has been brought to the surface by wind or rain erosion, or even a natural disaster.

Where are you most likely to discover a fossil?

• in North America, only

• in Asia, only

• all continents except Africa

• anywhere on Earth

Using the information in the article, describe one way a fossil can form.

In your own words, describe what the La Brea Tar Pits are.

Match the vocabulary word with its correct definition by writing the corresponding letter on the line.

• material that settles at the bottom

• cast

• ancient,extinct elephants from Ice Age

• sediment

• dark, sticky mix, natural tar or pitch

• mammoths

• yellow, see through, resin made by trees

• amber

• material is shaped in mold

• asphalt