Fossils
What is a Fossil?
The preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past.
What is a Fossil Record?
What is paleontology?
The study of fossils and ancient life.
What does relative Dating tell us?
The order of events or age of rocks compared to one another.
What are Sediments
Small pieces of rock, shells, and other materials.
What type of rocks are most fossils found in?
Sedimentary Rocks
It shows how specied have changed and evolved over time.
What tool might a paleontologist use to carefully dig fossils?
A brush, or small pick
Which law states that older rock layers are found below younger ones?
The law of Superposition
What are the three main types of rocks in the rock cycle?
Igneous, Sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Name one way a fossil can form.
Through permineralization, freezing, amber trapping, or casts and molds.
Which layer in a fossil record is usually the oldest?
The bottom Layer.
What do paleontologist compare fossils to when idenifying species?
Modern organisms or existing fossil records
What is an index fossil?
A fossil used to identify the relative age of rock layers.
How are sedimentary rocks formed?
From the compaction and cementation of sediments.
What type of fossil shows evidence of an organisms activity?
A trace fossil.
What major event is marked by many changes in the fossil record?
Mass Extinctions
Why is paleontology important?
It helps us understand Earth's history and how life has changed.
What is a fault in rock layers, and how does it affect dating?
A crack or break; it can shift layers and make dating More complex
How does a rock become metamorphic?
Through heat and pressure.
Why don't all organisms become fossils?
Most decay or are destroyed before they can fossilize.
What does the presence of marine fossils on a mountain suggests?
The area was once underwater.
What is the name of a scientist who studies fossils?
Paleontologist
How can fossils be used in relative dating
By identifying and comparing index fossils across different layers.
What are rock layers also called?
Strata.