Les 1 Two Ways of Looking at Fossils
What do evolutionists believe about how the Earth began?
They believe the earth came into being by chance and life evolved over millions of years.
What is the study of fossils called?
Paleontology.
What do evolutionists believe rock layers represent?
Geologic ages or long periods of time.
What is a fossil?
The preserved remains or trace of a once-living organism.
Why is it important to study fossils carefully?
To learn about God’s creation and how the earth has changed.
What do creationists believe about how life began?
Creationists believe God created the earth and all living things in six days as told in Genesis.
What are scientists who study fossils called?
Paleontologists
What do creationists believe most fossils formed during?
The worldwide Flood described in Genesis.
What does “paleontologist” mean?
A scientist who studies fossils.
Why do scientists make models of animals using fossils?
To show what the animal may have looked like when alive.
What is the difference between the two worldviews of fossils?
Evolutionists think fossils show gradual change over time; creationists believe most formed quickly during the Flood.
Why do scientists need to be careful when cleaning fossils?
Fossils can break easily because they are fragile.
What is an index fossil?
A fossil used to help date the rock layer it’s found in.
What is sedimentary rock?
Rock formed from layers of sand, mud, and small particles.
What could happen if a paleontologist doesn’t map a fossil site first?
The fossil’s location and evidence could be lost or confused.
What does the word “theory” mean in science?
A theory is an idea or explanation that tries to make sense of facts or evidence.
What is it called when scientists remove fossils from rock?
Excavation.
Why do fossils in deeper layers not always prove they are older?
Because many were buried quickly at different times during the Flood.
What is the term for studying fossils to learn about the past?
Paleontology.
Why do creationists say fossils are evidence of the Flood?
Because many fossils were buried quickly by mud and water, which matches the Flood description.
Why do evolutionists and creationists look at the same fossils but come to different conclusions?
Because their beliefs about how the earth began influence how they interpret the evidence.
How do X-rays help scientists study fossils?
X-rays allow scientists to see inside fossils without damaging them.
How do creationists explain fossils found in different rock layers?
Faster or slower animals were buried at different times as floodwaters rose.
What does the word “catastrophe” mean in the creationist explanation?
A sudden event, like the Flood, that caused major changes quickly.
What does the fossil record teach us about God?
It shows His power, design, and that His Word is true.