Types of Fossils

Front

The hardened remains of a living thing that died long ago.

Back

fossil

Answer explanation

A fossil is the hardened remains of a living organism that existed in the past. The other options do not accurately describe this concept, making 'fossil' the correct choice.

Front

Why are there more animal fossils than plant fossils?

Back

Plants have softer bodies than animals.

Answer explanation

Plants have softer bodies than animals, making them less likely to fossilize. Animal bones and shells are more durable, leading to a greater number of animal fossils compared to plant fossils.

Front

What type of fossil would a footprint be?

Back

a trace fossil

Answer explanation

A footprint is classified as a trace fossil because it provides evidence of the activity of an organism rather than being a part of the organism itself, like bones or original remains.

Front

Which type of rock are most fossils found?

Back

sedimentary rock

Answer explanation

Most fossils are found in sedimentary rock because these rocks form in layers and can preserve the remains of organisms. In contrast, metamorphic and igneous rocks typically do not contain fossils due to their formation processes.

Front

If a scientist found a fish fossil in the desert, what can they infer?

Back

The water covered the area long ago.

Answer explanation

The presence of a fish fossil in the desert indicates that the area was once covered by water, as fish require aquatic environments to live. This suggests significant geological changes over time.

Front

What replaces the wood of a once-living thing to form petrified wood?

Back

minerals

Answer explanation

Petrified wood forms when the organic material is replaced by minerals over time. These minerals fill the cellular structure of the wood, turning it into a fossilized state, making 'minerals' the correct answer.

Front

This type of fossil is tree sap hardened and replaced by minerals.

Back

Amber

Answer explanation

Amber is fossilized tree sap that has hardened and can contain trapped organisms. It differs from petrified wood, which is wood turned to stone through mineral replacement.

Front

What type of fossil is pictured here?

Back

Mold fossil

Answer explanation

A mold fossil forms when an organism leaves an impression in sediment, creating a negative space. This is distinct from cast fossils, which fill that space, and body fossils, which are actual remains of the organism.

Front

What type of fossil is pictured here?

Back

Trace fossil

Answer explanation

A trace fossil is a type of fossil that records the activity of organisms, such as footprints or burrows. The image likely depicts such evidence of behavior, distinguishing it from body fossils, which are remains of the organism itself.

Front

What type of fossil is pictured here?

Back

Cast fossil

Answer explanation

A cast fossil forms when a mold fossil is filled with sediment or minerals, creating a replica of the original organism. The correct choice is 'cast fossil' as it represents this process.