Fossils

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What are fossils?

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Fossils are the preserved remains of plant or animal life found in rock.

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What is an example of a trace fossil?

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A Stegosaurus footprint is an example of a trace fossil.

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What is a cast fossil?

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A cast fossil forms when a hollow area (a mold) is filled with minerals or sediments, producing a copy of the original.

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What do fossils NOT provide?

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Fossils do not provide a record of every organism that ever lived.

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What is a mold fossil?

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A mold fossil forms when the hard part of the organism dissolves, leaving a cavity or hollow in the rock.

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What is the significance of fossils?

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Fossils give clues about organisms that lived long ago and help us understand past environments.

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What are original remains?

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Original remains are the actual preserved parts of an organism, such as bones or soft tissues.

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What is a carbon film fossil?

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A carbon film fossil is formed when an organism is compressed and leaves a thin film of carbon on rock.

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What can fossils tell us about Earth's history?

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Fossils provide evidence for how Earth's surface has changed over time.

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What is the difference between a mold and a cast fossil?

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A mold is a hollow impression of an organism, while a cast is a solid copy formed from the mold.