Fossils

Question 1

Under what circumstances might we find fossil remains of an organism that includes the soft tissue parts as well as hard structures like wood and bone?

Answer 1

• when the fossil was frozen ( snowy and icy areas)

- in sap (mosquitos are an example)

Question 2

What is the difference between sand stone and conglomerate rock?

Answer 2

Conglomerate is chunk and not all the same. Sandstone is small and fine with all pieces almost identical

Question 3

What are the accepted theories of why dinosaurs disappeared? Which is the best, why?

Answer 3

Volcanic Theory
Asteroid Theory
Climate Change Theory
Emerging Plants Theory* best theory*

Question 4

In what type of rock are dinosaur fossils most likely to be found?

Answer 4

Sedimentary because fossils are more

likely to become fossils near water and sedimentary rock is made from moving water and layers

Question 5

Name 1 example of a trace fossil?

Answer 5

• footprints
• skin imprints
• gnawing

Question 6

How are fossils formed and name 4 items that can be classed as fossils?

Answer 6

If the dinosaur died near a muddy swamp, shallow lake or riverbed, the bones sank into the river and were washed into a river in a flood. The bones were quickly buried in sediment. Over years, more layers of sediment were positioned above the buried remains. Chemicals in the water, would soak into the remains, changing the 
colour and chemical composition. The shape was ,however, left. The sediment around the fossil would soon turn into sedimentary rock. The layers of rock and fossils would be pushed up, by forces beneath the Earth’s surface. Weathering and erosion by the wind, sea, rivers or glaciers might expose one or more of the bones or teeth.

1. Footprints2. Eggs3. Bones4. Skin imprints

Question 7

What does sedimentary rock and what does each layer indicate?

Answer 7

• weathered rock, usually moved by water. ( fine particles)

- layers show are. The lower down the older the fossil/layer.

Question 8

Give an example of metamorphic rock used in buildings, how is it formed?

Answer 8

• slate
• granite
• marble
• limestone

(Originally sedimentary or igneous rocks with added pressure or heat turned them into metamorphic rocks)

Question 9

Give an example of igneous stone or rock used in buildings, how is it formed?

Answer 9

Bluestone (Igneous rocks are those that
have formed from molten rock)

Question 10

What is sandstone used for?

Answer 10

Kitchen bench tops

External walls of houses

Question 11

What is weathering, name 2 causes?

Answer 11

Weathering is a natural breakdown of something.

• wind
• sun

Question 12

What is erosion?

Answer 12

Weathered rock is usually moved from one place to another by the wind, running water, the sea or glaciers. This process is called erosion

Question 13

What is limestone and coal used for and how were they formed?

Answer 13

• Coal is formed from the remains of dead plants that are buried by other sediments. (Fuel)
• Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is formed from deposits of the remains of sea organisms such as shellfish and corals. (External house walls)

Question 14

What is soil made up of?

Answer 14

• Decomposed animals and plants

- weathered rock

Question 15

What is sediment?

Answer 15

Sedimentary rocks are those that have formed from deposits of weathered rock or the remains of living things.