Fossils

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What are fossils?

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Fossils are the preserved remains of plants or animals that lived long ago.

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Who studies fossils?

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Paleontologists are scientists who study fossils.

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How are dinosaur fossil bones formed?

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Dinosaur fossil bones are formed when the dinosaur is covered in sediment.

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What can a paleontologist infer if they find a fish fossil on a mountain?

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The paleontologist can infer that the area was once underwater.

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Which of the following is NOT a fossil? a seashell found on the beach, an insect stuck in amber, a petrified dinosaur bone, a footprint captured in mud?

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A seashell found on the beach is NOT a fossil.

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What is sediment?

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Sediment is small particles of rock, soil, and organic material that can cover and preserve remains.

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What is amber?

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Amber is fossilized tree resin that can trap and preserve insects.

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What does petrified mean?

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Petrified means that organic material has turned into stone over time.

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What is a footprint fossil?

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A footprint fossil is an impression left by a foot in mud that later hardened.

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What does it mean if a fossil is found in a desert?

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It may indicate that the area was once a different environment, like a forest or ocean.