Fossils and Rock Layers Flashcard

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient plants and animals, usually found in layers of rock.

Front

How do fossils become exposed?

Back

Fossils become exposed through erosion, which wears away the layers of rock covering them.

Front

What type of animals were trilobites?

Back

Trilobites were ancient marine animals that lived before the dinosaurs.

Front

What is formed when a plant or animal dies and is covered by sand or silt?

Back

A fossil is formed when a plant or animal dies and is covered by sand or silt.

Front

Where would you find trilobite fossils in relation to dinosaur fossils?

Back

Trilobite fossils would be found below dinosaur fossils because trilobites are older than dinosaurs.

Front

True or False: You will only find marine fossils near water.

Back

False. Marine fossils can be found in various locations, not just near water.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural forces such as wind or water.

Front

What is the significance of rock layers in understanding fossils?

Back

Rock layers help scientists determine the age of fossils and the order in which different species existed.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment is small particles of rock, minerals, and organic material that can accumulate and form layers.

Front

What is the difference between a fossil and a mineral?

Back

A fossil is a preserved remnant of a living organism, while a mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic substance.