Earth's History

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What are fossils?

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Fossils are preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, or other organisms from the past.

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What is a petrified fossil?

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A petrified fossil is formed when minerals replace part or all of an organism, commonly associated with wood.

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What is Absolute Dating?

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Absolute Dating is the process that geologists use to establish how many years ago a given event took place by using radioactive decay.

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What is fossil resin (amber)?

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Fossil resin (amber) is a type of fossilization that occurs when a sticky substance from plants captures and preserves an organism.

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What is carbonization?

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Carbonization is a fossilization process that leaves behind a dark film on rock.

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What are strata?

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Strata are layers of rock or soil with internally consistent characteristics that distinguish them from other layers.

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What is a mold fossil?

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A mold fossil is formed when an organism leaves an impression in sediment that hardens.

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What is a cast fossil?

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A cast fossil is created when a mold fossil is filled with minerals or sediment, forming a replica of the original organism.

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What is an imprint fossil?

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An imprint fossil is formed when an organism leaves a mark or impression in soft sediment.

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What is relative dating?

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Relative dating is a method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils by comparing them to other rocks and fossils.