Fossil Basics
Fossil Creation
How they Lived
Geologic Time Scale
Earth Changes
100
Would this make a good or bad fossil?
Bad
100
True or False: Fossils are just the bones of an animal
False
100
You find a fossil and see it has sharp teeth, what does that mostly likely tell us about the organism?
It was a meat eater
100
Fossil 1 is found 5,000 feet below Earth's surface and fossil 2 is found 200 feet below Earth's surface. Which fossil is older?
Fossil 1
100
What are slow changes that happen on Earth?
Weathering & Erosion
200
Would this make a good or bad fossil?
Good
200
Can a fossil form if it is not covered by dirt or rock?
No, if the organism is not covered quickly it will decay or get eaten before it can create a fossil.
200
You find a fossil and see it has bite marks on it's bones, what does that mostly likely tell us about the organism?
The organism was likely killed and eaten.
200
True or False: It is sometimes possible for an older fossil to be located above a younger fossil
True: Earthquakes, volcanos, landslides and tectonic plate movement can cause rock and fossils to move up above younger fossils
200
What are fast changes that occur on Earth?
Earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides
300
What is an organism that would make a bad fossil?
Answers will vary
300
Describe the mold and cast process.
An organism dies and leaves an imprint into the dirt. More dirt covers the organism. As the organism decays the dirt above fills in the mold. Both the mold and the cast harden.
300
You find a fossil that has thick fur, what does that mostly likely tell us about the organism?
It lived in a cold climate
300
You find two fossils that are found at the same depth but miles apart from each other. What does that tell us?
That they lived around the same time.
300
`How do earthquakes change Earth?
They can cause
-cracks/faults in the ground
-buildings, roads and bridges to be damaged
-tsunamis (with flooding)
400
What is an organism that would make a good fossil?
Answers will vary
400
Describe how an amber fossil is created.
An organism is captured inside of tree resin. It hardens and preserves the organism.
400
You find a fish fossil on a mountain. What do you know about that area?
That area was once underwater
400
How do scientists know dinosaurs and humans never lived together?
Because you do not find human fossils among dinosaur fossils
400
How do volcanoes change the Earth?
They can
-cause earthquakes and landslides
-change the shape of the landscape
-cause destruction of forest, roads, building, bridges, etc
-add a layer of rock/sediment on to of the current surface of earth
500
Explain what makes a good fossil and what makes a bad fossil.
To make a good fossil an organism must have parts that are difficult to decompose or take a long time. Organisms that are soft (jellyfish, worms, octopus) will completely decompose quickly and a fossil cannot be made.
500
Which fossil type is the hardest to find and why?
Preservation because it involves an organism being completely covered and trapped. It is not found often.
500
You find a fossil in a yellow transparent rock, what does that mostly likely tell us about the organism?
It was likely trapped quickly in tree sap
500
Explain what the Geologic Time Scale shows us?
It can show us when different animals lived and when they disappeared (went extinct)
500
How do landslides change earth?
They can
-block/change river courses
-destroy buildings, roads or bridges
-change the shape of mountains