The Fossil Record

Front

What are mold fossils?

Back

Mold fossils are spaces in rock created by decayed and/or dissolved animal and plant remains.

Front

What are trace fossils?

Back

Trace fossils provide information about how organisms moved, rested, burrowed, etc.

Front

How do specimens in the fossil record change over time?

Back

As time goes on, specimens in the fossil record become more complex.

Front

Who studies the fossil record?

Back

A paleontologist is a scientist who studies the fossil record to learn more about life on Earth.

Front

What can a fish fossil tell us about an ancient environment?

Back

A fish fossil can tell us that the past environment was underwater.

Front

What is a cast fossil?

Back

Cast fossils are formed when a mold fossil is filled with minerals that harden into rock.

Front

What is the significance of the fossil record?

Back

The fossil record provides evidence of the history of life on Earth and shows how species have changed over time.

Front

What is a replacement fossil?

Back

Replacement fossils occur when the original material of an organism is replaced with minerals.

Front

What do fossils tell us about extinct species?

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Fossils provide insights into the physical characteristics, behaviors, and environments of extinct species.

Front

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

Back

A mold fossil is an impression left in rock, while a cast fossil is a replica formed from that impression.