Fossils

the trace or remains of an organism that lived a loooong time ago, often preserved in sediment

• half-life
• fossil
• geologic time-scale
• evolution

a scientist who studies fossils

• geologist
• biologist
• paleontologist
• chemist

Which of the following is NOT an example of a fossil?

• a petrified dinosaur bone
• a footprint captured in mud
• a seashell found on the beach

gone forever. all one kind of a plant or animal dies

• trace fossil
• extinct
• preserved
• paleontologist

What are the remains, imprints, or traces of once-living organisms?

• index fossils
• fossil
• mold
• cast

After studying about fossils, a student said, "I want to be a paleontologist when I grow up."  Which describes the work of a paleontologist?

• A paleontologist studies the remains of organisms that have been fossilized.
• A paleontologist studies cultures of the past.
• A paleontologist is a park ranger.
• A paleontologist is a scientist who studies living things.

Why do bones and teeth remain as part of some fossils?

• they are white
• bones are large
• the parts are hard 
• bones decay easily

Which animal part would MOST LIKELY form a fossil?

• fur
• lung
• bone
• muscle

Fossils of shells are found under land where cows now live. What does this tell you?

• the fish were dropped their by flying birds
• this land was once under the ocean
• farmers fed the fish to the cows
• fish used to live on land

In which kind of rock do we usually find a fossil?

• sedimentary  rock
• rock candy
• hard rock