Fossils task cards

Scientists find a fossilized skeleton from an extinct animal. Which of the following is the best conclusion the scientists can draw from their observations of the skeleton as shown?

• The animal’s skin changed color to match its surroundings.

• The animal laid eggs 2 times per year.

• The animal walked on land.

• The animal’s main food was a fruit that is now extinct.

Scientists are studying this fossil of an extinct fish. If the scientists were to compare the extinct fish to fish in the present, which of the following is the best conclusion they can draw?

• The extinct fish was nocturnal, like many fish in the present.

• The extinct fish traveled in large groups, like many fish in the present.

• The extinct fish had fins on its body, like many fish in the present.

• The extinct fish at plants, like many of fish in the present.

In some butterfly species, wing color and pattern vary depending on the season in which the butterfly hatches. Which of the following statements does not describe a benefit of this variation in appearance?

• A butterfly’s wing pattern causes it to look like a poisonous butterfly species which predators avoid.

• A butterfly’s wing color resembles a flower, which helps omnivores identify it as a source of nutrients.

• A butterfly’s wing color allows it to blend in with its surroundings.

• A butterfly’s wing pattern looks like a pair of eyes and startles predators.

A species of beetles was native to an area. The beetles could be born with either green or brown outer wings. A lizard species moved into the area. Some years later, only brown beetles remain. Which statement best explains why the brown beetles survived and the green beetles did not?

• The green beetles blended into their surroundings, making it harder for the lizards to find and eat them.

• The green beetles blended into their surroundings, making it easier for the lizards to find and eat them.

• The brown beetles blended into their surroundings, making it harder for the lizards to find and eat them.

• The brown beetles blended into their surroundings, making it easier for the lizards to find and eat them.

Epicyon Haydeni was an extinct animal with some characteristics similar to wolves. Scientists have learned about Epicyon Haydeni through the study of fossils. Epicyon Haydeni was adapted to hunt very large prey. Wolves are adapted to hunt everything from mice to moose. Which statement about the animals’ features best shows this difference?

• Epicyon Haydeni is significantly larger than wolves.

• Wolves are native to Eurasia in addition to North America.

• Both are native to North America.

• Both have sharp teeth.

Scientists are studying this fossil of an extinct fish. Which of the following can best be concluded about the area where the fossil was found?

• A The area had very warm seasons in the past.

• B The area was covered in water in the past.

• C The area has remained unchanged.

• D The area was inhabited by many predators in the past.

Scientists find fossilized remains from an extinct animal. Which of the following is the best conclusion the scientists can draw from their observations of the remains as shown?

• A The animal had excellent hearing.

• B The animal was a key food source for many predators.

• C The animal built nests from dried plants.

• D The animal likely had the ability to fly.

A majority of fox squirrels have a mixture of gray, red, and brown fur. However, some fox squirrels have entirely black fur. Which of the following statements most likely describes a benefit of a squirrel having black fur?

• Squirrels with black fur blend into their surroundings during snowy winter months.

• Squirrels with black fur have a slightly higher body temperature during cold winter months.

• Squirrels with black fur hibernate during winter months.

• Squirrels with black fur attract more predators during winter months.

The American lion was an extinct animal with some characteristics like the Siberian tiger. Scientists have learned about the American lion through the study of fossils. The American lion was adapted to cold North American winters. The Siberian tiger is adapted to cold seasons in Eastern Russia. Which statement about the animals’ features best shows this similarity?

• The American lion weighed more than the average Siberian tiger.

• The American lion and the Siberian tiger have a powerful bite force.

• The American lion and the Siberian tiger use caves for shelter from the cold.

• The Siberian tiger has a lower average height than the American lion.

Scientists are studying fossilized remains of a mammoth. If the scientists were to compare the extinct mammoth to elephants in the present, which of the following is the best conclusion they can draw?

• A The mammoth had a trunk, like elephants in the present.

• B The mammoth lived in a savanna habitat, like some elephants in the present.

• C The mammoth had large ears, like some elephants in the present.

• D The mammoth had freckles, like some elephants in the present.