Fossils Flashcards
What did scientists begin to understand in the 1800s?
In the 1800s scientists were only beginning to realize that fossils came from ancient animals.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Various types of animals and plants have there origin or there beginning from other pre existing typed and that the distinguishable differences is due to genetic modifications
What is the job of a paleontologist?
Paleontologists study fossils and the fossil records
How can scientists trace the history of Earth?
By combining fossil evidence with other information, scientists can trace the history of life on Earth.
What do fossil records tell us?
The fossil record shows that billions of years ago, the only life forms on Earth were simple unicellular organisms.
What has happened to most organisms that have lived on Earth?
Most organisms that have existed during Earth’s long history have become extinct.
According to scientists, what are all extinct organisms related to?
all extinct organisms are related to living ones.
Describe what has happened to horses over time.
The Ancestors of the horse were short, had five padded toes, and lived in forests. The fossils show that this species slowly evolved into modern horses, which are tall, live on grasslands, and have hoofed feet.
Why is fossilization rare?
Fossilization is rare because earth’s natural processes destroy them.
Describe how whales have evolved over time.
Whales used to have long feet and then the feet length became shorter. Then the feet became flippers. Then the hind legs disappeared completely. Then we have a whale.
What happened to animals when landmasses split or when the climate changed?
When land masses split or climate changed, animals evolved in response.
What do fossils tell a story of?
Fossils tell the story of evolution.
What is evolution?
Evolution is a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations.
What helps us understand the changes in Earth’s environment?
The fossil record can tell us about changes in Earth’s environment
How can scientists tell if a region of Earth was once warmer?
When scientists find tropical plant fossils in today’s Arctic, it means these regions were once much warmer.
How can scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems?
Scientists can reconstruct ancient ecosystems and habitats using fossil records.
How does studying rock layers help scientists?
By studying fossils in a particular rock layer, a scientist can describe what the animal and plant communities in that area were.
How old is Earth?
Earth is about 4.6 billion years old.
