Processes That Shape the Earth

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What are fossils?

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Fossils are the remains or traces of plants and animals that lived long ago, preserved in rock.

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How do scientists use fossils?

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Scientists study fossils to learn about the types of plants and animals that existed in the past and how they lived.

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust that move and shift, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.

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What is erosion?

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Erosion is the process by which natural forces like wind and water wear away rocks and soil.

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What is vegetation erosion?

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Vegetation erosion occurs when plant roots push up on surfaces, causing soil and materials to shift.

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How do scientists study tectonic plate movement?

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Scientists use satellite images to track the movement of tectonic plates over time.

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What can soil layers tell us?

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Soil layers can provide information about the types of plants and animals that lived in an area.

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What is the significance of rock layers?

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Rock layers can contain fossils that give clues about past climates and ecosystems.

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What evidence do rock samples provide?

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Rock samples can provide evidence of plant and animal remains, helping scientists understand past life.

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What do soil samples reveal?

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Soil samples can reveal the type of soil and what plants and animals might survive in that environment.