Fossils

In what type of rock are fossils found?

• Metamorphic
• Igneous
• Sedimentary
• Punk

Which of the following would be the best to use when gathering information to identify fossils as evidence of past living organisms?

• Terrarium
• Microscope
• Computer
• Collecting Net

All of the following are very helpful when identifying evidence of past living plants EXCEPT-

• A fossil of a plant from long ago which has now changed to stone.
• An impression left by a plnt that lived a very long time ago
  
• The remains of the plant replaced with minerals
• A rock from the mantle, located deep underneath Earth's surface

When examining sedimentary rock layers to better understand the nature of a fossil's environment, which layer is considered to have evidence of the oldest past living organisms?

• The top layer of rock
• The middle layer of rock
• The bottom layer of rock
• All of the above

An ancient fossil of a fish is found in a dry area.  What does this suggest about how this area used to look?

• The land was a dense forest
  
• The land was a dry desert
• There was once water in the area
• The fossil was moved because there could not have been water there in the past

Students are creating models of fossils during science class.  Which explains why scientists study fossils?

• Fossils help predict climate changes
• Fossils help keep species from becoming extinct
• Fossils help understand about past organisms and their environment
• Fossils help understand what to expect in the future

When an organism dies and becomes buried in sediment the soft part of the organism decay quickly while hard parts, such as bones, take more time.  As water seeps through the sediment and bone, minerals in the water begin to replace the cells in the bone.  It eventually turns to stone.  This is known as-

• Cast and Mold fossilization
• Trace fossils
• Unaltered Remains
• Mineral fossilization

Can mineral fossilization occur without the presence of water?

• No, because the water replaces cells in the bone and is a factor in mineral fossilization.
• No, because water is the only factor needed in order for an organism to become fossilized.
• Yes, because as long as the organism is buried, it can become fossilized. 
• Yes, because the water will eventually evaporate. 
  

After studying about fossils, a student said, "I want to be a paleontologist when I grow up."  Which describes the work of a paleontologist?

• A paleontologist studies the remains of organisms that have been fossilized.
• A paleontologist studies cultures of the past.
• A paleontologist is a park ranger.
• A paleontologist is a scientist who studies living things.

"Most living things that die become fossils."  This hypothesis was formulated before learning about fossils.  Is it accurate?

• Yes, because many fossils have been found.
• Yes, because fossils can be easily formed.
• No, because certain conditions need to be present in order for fossils to form
• No, because no living things that die become fossils.