Fossils

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an animal or plant that lived in the past.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

How are fossils formed?

Back

Fossils are formed when living things die and are buried by sediment. Over time, minerals replace the organic material, creating a fossil.

Front

What types of materials can become fossils?

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Hard parts of animals like bones and teeth, as well as plant materials like wood, can become fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

Why are bones more likely to become fossils than soft parts?

Back

Bones are hard and less likely to decay quickly, making them more likely to be preserved as fossils.

Front

What can fossils tell us about the past?

Back

Fossils can provide information about what animals and plants existed, how they lived, and how the Earth has changed over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is the role of sediment in fossil formation?

Back

Sediment helps to bury the remains of living things, protecting them from decay and allowing fossilization to occur.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is a mold fossil?

Back

A mold fossil is a cavity left in rock that shows the shape of an organism.

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What is a cast fossil?

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

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

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

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Can fossils tell us about the environment of the past?

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Yes, fossils can provide clues about the climate and environment where the organisms lived.