5.LS4.1 Fossils

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism, often found in sedimentary rock.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What does it mean when we say most things that ever lived are now extinct?

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It means that the majority of species that have existed on Earth no longer exist today.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What are trace fossils?

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

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What are molds in the context of fossils?

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Molds are hollow imprints left by fossils, showing the shape of the organism.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What are casts in the context of fossils?

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Casts are filled-in imprints left by fossils, created when minerals fill a mold.

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Why do shells, skeletons, and teeth often become fossils?

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These parts decay slower than other body parts, making them more likely to be preserved as fossils.

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What is the significance of finding fossils in sedimentary rock?

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Sedimentary rock forms in layers, which can preserve fossils and provide information about the Earth's history.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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What can fossils tell us about past environments?

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Fossils can provide clues about the climate, geography, and ecosystems that existed in the past.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What is the difference between a body fossil and a trace fossil?

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Body fossils are the actual remains of the organism, while trace fossils are evidence of the organism's activity.

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How do paleontologists study fossils?

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Paleontologists study fossils by excavating them, analyzing their structure, and using them to understand ancient life.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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