Biases of the Fossil Record Quiz

What is the main topic of the text?

• Biases in the fossil record

• The process of fossilization

• Types of fossils

• History of paleontology

What is taphonomy?

• The study of ancient plants

• The study of fossil biases

• The study of rock formations

• The study of dinosaur behavior

Which type of organism is more likely to fossilize?

• Organisms in cold climates

• Organisms in dry areas

• Organisms with hard materials

• Soft-bodied organisms

What is an example of a soft-bodied organism mentioned in the text?

• Conodonts

• Mammoths

• Triceratops

• Dinosaurs

Why are fossils in tectonically active areas less likely to be found?

• They are buried too deep

• They are destroyed by lava or magma

• They are too small to find

• They are covered by ice

What happens to fossils in subduction zones?

• They become larger

• They are often destroyed or damaged

• They are moved to the surface

• They are preserved perfectly

What should you do if you find a fossil?

• Bury it again

• Sell it to a collector

• Leave it and notify a museum

• Take it home

Why is the location of a fossil important?

• It helps determine the fossil's age

• It affects the fossil's size

• It changes the fossil's color

• It makes the fossil more valuable

What is a potential outcome if a fossil ends up in a private collection?

• It is displayed in a museum

• It is studied by scientists

• It is used for educational purposes

• Science may never see it

What is the role of sedimentation in fossilization?

• It colors fossils

• It destroys fossils

• It helps preserve fossils

• It prevents fossilization