Fossils and Eras Flashcard

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What is a fossil in amber?

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A fossil in amber is a type of fossil where organisms, such as insects, are preserved in tree resin that hardens over time, often with little or no change.

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What does the geologic time scale represent?

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The geologic time scale is a record of the life forms and geologic events in Earth's history.

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What is the Cenozoic era known as?

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The Cenozoic era is often called the Age of Mammals.

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What are trace fossils?

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Trace fossils are fossils that provide clues about the activities of ancient organisms, such as footprints or burrows.

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What is a petrified fossil?

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A petrified fossil is formed when minerals replace all or part of an organism, turning it into stone.

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What is a mold fossil?

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A mold fossil is a hollow impression left in sediment when an organism decays.

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What is a cast fossil?

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

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What are carbon films?

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Carbon films are fossils that form when organic material is compressed, leaving a thin layer of carbon on rock.

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What is the significance of sedimentary rock layers?

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Sedimentary rock layers provide a record of Earth's history, including the age and type of fossils found within them.

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What can fossils tell us about past environments?

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Fossils can provide insights into past environments, including climate, geography, and the types of organisms that lived at that time.