Study Guide for Fossils Unit

Front

What does extinct mean?

Back

When all members of the group have died.

Front

Why are the soft parts of an animal's body not preserved as a fossil?

Back

They decayed or were eaten before fossilization could occur.

Front

What does finding fossils of ocean plants and shells in a rock tell us about the rock?

Back

The rock was once at the bottom of the sea.

Front

How do we know that there were different kinds of plants and animals that lived in Georgia long ago?

Back

We find fossils of them.

Front

What is the most important factor for fossils to form?

Back

Time.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A preserved remains or impression of a once-living organism.

Front

What types of organisms can become fossils?

Back

Plants, animals, and even microorganisms.

Front

What is fossilization?

Back

The process by which living things become fossils.

Front

What are sedimentary rocks?

Back

Rocks formed from particles of sand, shells, pebbles, and other fragments of material.

Front

What role do sediments play in fossil formation?

Back

Sediments bury the remains of organisms, protecting them from decay.