Fossils

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the past.

Front

What can scientists learn from fossils?

Back

Scientists can learn about the size, shape, and behavior of ancient organisms, as well as the environment they lived in.

Front

What is a paleontologist?

Back

A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to understand life that existed long ago.

Front

How do fossils form?

Back

Fossils form when organisms are buried under layers of sediment, which hardens over time, preserving their shape.

Front

What type of environment is needed for fossil formation?

Back

Fossils often form in environments where organisms can be quickly buried, such as riverbeds, lakes, or ocean floors.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment is small particles of rock, soil, and organic material that can accumulate and cover organisms.

Front

What can the size of a fossilized leaf tell us?

Back

The size of a fossilized leaf can indicate the type of plant and the climate it grew in.

Front

What does it mean if a fossil has gills and fins?

Back

It means the organism likely lived in water, as gills and fins are adaptations for aquatic life.

Front

What is an impression fossil?

Back

An impression fossil is formed when an organism leaves a mark in sediment that hardens, showing its shape.

Front

What is a trace fossil?

Back

A trace fossil is evidence of an organism's activity, such as footprints or burrows, rather than the organism itself.