Infer Changes from Fossils - 4th Grade Science
Card 1 of 20
What does it suggest if the same fossil species is found in two far-apart rock layers?
What does it suggest if the same fossil species is found in two far-apart rock layers?
Tap to reveal answer
The layers are likely from a similar time period. Same species indicates rocks formed during that organism's existence.
The layers are likely from a similar time period. Same species indicates rocks formed during that organism's existence.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the law of superposition in simple terms?
What is the law of superposition in simple terms?
Tap to reveal answer
In undisturbed layers, older rocks are below younger rocks. This principle helps determine relative ages of fossils.
In undisturbed layers, older rocks are below younger rocks. This principle helps determine relative ages of fossils.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which past environment is suggested by fish fossils found in a rock layer?
Which past environment is suggested by fish fossils found in a rock layer?
Tap to reveal answer
A past water environment (lake, river, or sea). Fish require water habitats to survive.
A past water environment (lake, river, or sea). Fish require water habitats to survive.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which environment is suggested by fossils of coral and seashells found in rock?
Which environment is suggested by fossils of coral and seashells found in rock?
Tap to reveal answer
A past ocean or shallow sea environment. Coral and shells only live in marine environments.
A past ocean or shallow sea environment. Coral and shells only live in marine environments.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which environment is suggested by fossils with thick fur and a layer showing cold-climate plants?
Which environment is suggested by fossils with thick fur and a layer showing cold-climate plants?
Tap to reveal answer
A past cold climate environment. Thick fur insulates against cold temperatures.
A past cold climate environment. Thick fur insulates against cold temperatures.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which conclusion is best if a fossil animal has sharp, pointed teeth?
Which conclusion is best if a fossil animal has sharp, pointed teeth?
Tap to reveal answer
It likely ate other animals (carnivore). Sharp teeth tear meat from prey.
It likely ate other animals (carnivore). Sharp teeth tear meat from prey.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the main idea of using fossils as evidence in science?
What is the main idea of using fossils as evidence in science?
Tap to reveal answer
Fossils provide evidence of past life and past environments. Scientists study fossils to understand how life and Earth changed.
Fossils provide evidence of past life and past environments. Scientists study fossils to understand how life and Earth changed.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does the Law of Superposition state about fossils in rock layers?
What does the Law of Superposition state about fossils in rock layers?
Tap to reveal answer
Lower layers are older; higher layers are younger. Sediment deposits in sequence, with newest on top.
Lower layers are older; higher layers are younger. Sediment deposits in sequence, with newest on top.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which rock type most commonly contains fossils: igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic?
Which rock type most commonly contains fossils: igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic?
Tap to reveal answer
Sedimentary rock. Soft sediments preserve organisms before they decay.
Sedimentary rock. Soft sediments preserve organisms before they decay.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a mold fossil?
What is a mold fossil?
Tap to reveal answer
An impression left when an organism dissolves in sediment. Creates a hollow shape matching the organism.
An impression left when an organism dissolves in sediment. Creates a hollow shape matching the organism.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a cast fossil?
What is a cast fossil?
Tap to reveal answer
A copy formed when minerals fill a mold. Minerals create a 3D replica of the original organism.
A copy formed when minerals fill a mold. Minerals create a 3D replica of the original organism.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does extinction mean when interpreting the fossil record?
What does extinction mean when interpreting the fossil record?
Tap to reveal answer
A species no longer exists anywhere on Earth. All members of that species have died out.
A species no longer exists anywhere on Earth. All members of that species have died out.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does it suggest if the same species appears in many rock layers over time?
What does it suggest if the same species appears in many rock layers over time?
Tap to reveal answer
The species changed little and survived for a long time. Stable conditions allowed the species to thrive unchanged.
The species changed little and survived for a long time. Stable conditions allowed the species to thrive unchanged.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does it suggest if rock layers show fish fossils below amphibian fossils above?
What does it suggest if rock layers show fish fossils below amphibian fossils above?
Tap to reveal answer
Life on Earth changed over time, with newer forms appearing later. Shows evolution from water to land animals.
Life on Earth changed over time, with newer forms appearing later. Shows evolution from water to land animals.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which conclusion is best if a fossil animal’s teeth are flat and wide?
Which conclusion is best if a fossil animal’s teeth are flat and wide?
Tap to reveal answer
It likely ate plants (herbivore). Flat teeth grind tough plant material.
It likely ate plants (herbivore). Flat teeth grind tough plant material.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the best inference if many footprints are found together in the same layer.
Identify the best inference if many footprints are found together in the same layer.
Tap to reveal answer
The animals likely moved in a group or herd. Multiple tracks show social behavior.
The animals likely moved in a group or herd. Multiple tracks show social behavior.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does it suggest if a fossil is found in a rock layer far from where that organism lives today?
What does it suggest if a fossil is found in a rock layer far from where that organism lives today?
Tap to reveal answer
The environment or location changed over time. Continents moved or habitats shifted.
The environment or location changed over time. Continents moved or habitats shifted.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which conclusion is best if a layer has both mud cracks and reptile tracks?
Which conclusion is best if a layer has both mud cracks and reptile tracks?
Tap to reveal answer
The area was likely dry at times, such as a drying lake shore. Mud cracks form when wet areas dry out.
The area was likely dry at times, such as a drying lake shore. Mud cracks form when wet areas dry out.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the best inference if fossils in higher layers have thicker fur or feathers than lower layers?
What is the best inference if fossils in higher layers have thicker fur or feathers than lower layers?
Tap to reveal answer
The climate likely became colder over time. Thicker coverings evolved to survive cooling temperatures.
The climate likely became colder over time. Thicker coverings evolved to survive cooling temperatures.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which past environment is suggested by plant fossils like ferns and tree leaves?
Which past environment is suggested by plant fossils like ferns and tree leaves?
Tap to reveal answer
A past land environment with plants (often warm and wet). Ferns and trees need soil and moisture to grow.
A past land environment with plants (often warm and wet). Ferns and trees need soil and moisture to grow.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →