Fossils
What is a fossil?
A fossil is the remains or trace of a plant or animal that lived a long time ago.
What do we know about the diets of dinosaurs?
Some dinosaurs ate plants, and others ate meat.
What is the geologic time scale?
The geologic time scale is a way to show the history of Earth and the life that lived here.
What does it mean for a species to be extinct?
When a species is extinct, it means that there are no more of them left alive.
What do we call a time when many species go extinct at once?
A mass extinction is when many species disappear at the same time.
How are fossils formed?
Fossils are formed when plants or animals get buried in dirt, and over time, they turn into rock.
What period did dinosaurs live in?
Dinosaurs lived in the Mesozoic Era, a long time before humans.
What are the four major periods of the geologic time scale?
The four major periods are the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.
Can you name an animal that is currently endangered?
An endangered animal is one that could become extinct, like a tiger or a sea turtle.
What type of fossil shows an animal’s shape but not its bones?
A mold fossil shows the shape of an animal but not its actual bones.
What can fossils tell us about Earth's past?
Fossils can tell us what animals and plants looked like and what Earth was like long ago.
What is extinction, and how does it relate to dinosaurs?
Extinction means a species is gone forever. Dinosaurs are extinct, which means no dinosaurs are alive today.
How does the geologic time scale help scientists understand Earth's history?
It helps scientists organize the events that happened over Earth’s long history.
What are some reasons that species become extinct?
Animals can become extinct if their homes are destroyed or if they can’t find enough food.
What is amber, and how can it trap fossils?
Amber is hardened tree sap that can trap small insects and preserve them.
What are some examples of fossils that have been found?
Examples are dinosaur bones, shells, and footprints.
What is a paleontologist and what do they do?
A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to learn about ancient life.
Which era do we live in today, and what is it called?
We live in the Cenozoic Era, the time when mammals (like us!) became common.
How can humans help protect endangered species?
We can protect animals by saving their homes and making rules to keep them safe.
What is the fossil record, and why is it important?
The fossil record is a collection of all the fossils ever found. It helps scientists understand how life on Earth has changed over time, showing which plants and animals lived long ago and how they evolved.
What is the difference between a fossil and a mold?
A fossil is the actual remains of an animal or plant, and a mold is a copy of it in the dirt or rock.
Can you name three different types of dinosaurs?
Some dinosaurs were T. rex, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus
What is the difference between an era and a period?
An era is a big time period, and a period is a smaller time in that era.
What is the role of a museum in preserving the history of life on Earth?
Museums keep fossils and other things that show us what life was like long ago.
What is relative age, and how do scientists use it to study fossils?
Relative age tells us how old a rock or fossil is compared to other rocks and fossils, rather than giving an exact number. Scientists use it by looking at rock layers—older layers are deeper, and younger layers are on top.