All flashcards
Flashcard 1: What does it suggest if the same fossil species is found in two far-apart rock layers?
Answer: The layers are likely from a similar time period. Same species indicates rocks formed during that organism's existence.
Flashcard 2: What is the law of superposition in simple terms?
Answer: In undisturbed layers, older rocks are below younger rocks. This principle helps determine relative ages of fossils.
Flashcard 3: Which past environment is suggested by fish fossils found in a rock layer?
Answer: A past water environment (lake, river, or sea). Fish require water habitats to survive.
Flashcard 4: Which environment is suggested by fossils of coral and seashells found in rock?
Answer: A past ocean or shallow sea environment. Coral and shells only live in marine environments.
Flashcard 5: Which environment is suggested by fossils with thick fur and a layer showing cold-climate plants?
Answer: A past cold climate environment. Thick fur insulates against cold temperatures.
Flashcard 6: Which conclusion is best if a fossil animal has sharp, pointed teeth?
Answer: It likely ate other animals (carnivore). Sharp teeth tear meat from prey.
Flashcard 7: What is the main idea of using fossils as evidence in science?
Answer: Fossils provide evidence of past life and past environments. Scientists study fossils to understand how life and Earth changed.
Flashcard 8: What does the Law of Superposition state about fossils in rock layers?
Answer: Lower layers are older; higher layers are younger. Sediment deposits in sequence, with newest on top.
Flashcard 9: Which rock type most commonly contains fossils: igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic?
Answer: Sedimentary rock. Soft sediments preserve organisms before they decay.
Flashcard 10: What is a mold fossil?
Answer: An impression left when an organism dissolves in sediment. Creates a hollow shape matching the organism.
Flashcard 11: What is a cast fossil?
Answer: A copy formed when minerals fill a mold. Minerals create a 3D replica of the original organism.
Flashcard 12: What does extinction mean when interpreting the fossil record?
Answer: A species no longer exists anywhere on Earth. All members of that species have died out.
Flashcard 13: What does it suggest if the same species appears in many rock layers over time?
Answer: The species changed little and survived for a long time. Stable conditions allowed the species to thrive unchanged.
Flashcard 14: What does it suggest if rock layers show fish fossils below amphibian fossils above?
Answer: Life on Earth changed over time, with newer forms appearing later. Shows evolution from water to land animals.
Flashcard 15: Which conclusion is best if a fossil animal’s teeth are flat and wide?
Answer: It likely ate plants (herbivore). Flat teeth grind tough plant material.
Flashcard 16: Identify the best inference if many footprints are found together in the same layer.
Answer: The animals likely moved in a group or herd. Multiple tracks show social behavior.
Flashcard 17: What does it suggest if a fossil is found in a rock layer far from where that organism lives today?
Answer: The environment or location changed over time. Continents moved or habitats shifted.
Flashcard 18: Which conclusion is best if a layer has both mud cracks and reptile tracks?
Answer: The area was likely dry at times, such as a drying lake shore. Mud cracks form when wet areas dry out.
Flashcard 19: What is the best inference if fossils in higher layers have thicker fur or feathers than lower layers?
Answer: The climate likely became colder over time. Thicker coverings evolved to survive cooling temperatures.
Flashcard 20: Which past environment is suggested by plant fossils like ferns and tree leaves?
Answer: A past land environment with plants (often warm and wet). Ferns and trees need soil and moisture to grow.
Flashcard 21: What is the main idea of using fossils as evidence in science?
Answer: Fossils show how organisms and environments changed over time. They reveal evolution and environmental shifts through time.
Flashcard 22: What is extinction?
Answer: When a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth. Complete disappearance of all members of a species.
Flashcard 23: What does it usually mean if a fossil is found in a lower rock layer than another fossil?
Answer: The lower-layer fossil is older. Rock layers form sequentially, with older layers beneath newer ones.
Flashcard 24: What does it usually mean if a fossil is found in a higher rock layer than another fossil?
Answer: The higher-layer fossil is younger. Newer sediments deposit on top of older layers over time.
Flashcard 25: Which fossil evidence best supports a dry environment: cactus fossils or fish fossils?
Answer: Cactus fossils. Cacti are adapted to arid environments.
Flashcard 26: What does it suggest if fossils show an organism’s teeth changed from sharp to flat over many layers?
Answer: Its diet likely changed over time. Tooth shape reflects dietary adaptations.
Flashcard 27: What is the most important rule for making an inference from fossils?
Answer: Use fossil patterns as evidence to support a conclusion about the past. Inferences must be based on observable fossil evidence.
Flashcard 28: Identify the best inference if fossils show a gradual increase in an animal’s body size over many layers.
Answer: The species changed over time, likely due to environmental pressures. Size changes show evolutionary response.
Flashcard 29: What does it suggest about past environment if fish fossils are found in rock on a mountain?
Answer: The area was once underwater. Marine fossils show ancient seas covered the land.
Flashcard 30: Which adaptation is suggested by a fossil animal with sharp, pointed teeth and claws?
Answer: Catching and eating other animals (carnivore diet). Sharp teeth and claws help capture and tear prey.