Fossils and Geologic Time

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is the geologic time scale?

Back

The geologic time scale is a system used by geologists and paleontologists to describe the timing and relationships of events in Earth's history.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What does the term 'sedimentary rock' mean?

Back

Sedimentary rock is a type of rock formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the significance of the Mesozoic Era?

Back

The Mesozoic Era is known as the age of dinosaurs and is significant for the evolution of reptiles and the breakup of Pangea.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What are trace fossils?

Back

Trace fossils are geological records of biological activity, such as footprints, burrows, or feces, rather than the remains of the organism itself.

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating determines the age of a fossil based on its position in rock layers, while absolute dating provides a specific age using methods like radiometric dating.

Front

What is Pangea?

Back

Pangea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, where all the continents were joined together.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What conditions are necessary for fossilization?

Back

Fossilization typically requires rapid burial, low oxygen levels, and the presence of hard parts like bones or shells.

Front

What is an index fossil?

Back

An index fossil is a fossil that is used to define and identify a particular time period in the geologic time scale.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What does 'buried quickly with sediment' mean in fossilization?

Back

It refers to the process where an organism is rapidly covered by sediment, protecting it from decay and increasing the chances of fossilization.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1