Question

a trip through geologic time - guided reading and study
fossils (continued)
introduction (p. 310)

1. the preserved remains or traces of living things are called
2. list three things that scientists learn by studying fossils.
3. is the following sentence true or false? most fossils form when living things die and are buried by sediments.
4. is the following sentence true or false? fossils are usually found in igneous rock.
5. the type of rock that is made of hardened sediment is
6. why do only the hard parts of organisms generally leave fossils?

Explanation:

1. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of living things. Scientists learn about past life - forms, behaviors, and environments by studying fossils. Common things learned include anatomy, diet, and habitat.
2. Most fossils form when living things die and are buried by sediments. This protects them from decay and allows for preservation over time.
3. Fossils are usually found in sedimentary rock as it is formed from layers of sediment that can bury and preserve organisms. Igneous rock forms from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava, and it is not a typical place for fossils as the high - temperature environment would destroy organic material.
4. True. Fossils are usually found in sedimentary rock.
5. False. Fossils are usually found in sedimentary rock, not igneous rock.
6. Hard parts of organisms are more likely to leave fossils because they are more resistant to decay and destruction. Soft parts decompose more quickly and are less likely to be preserved.

Answer:

1. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of living things. Scientists learn about past life - forms, behaviors, and environments from them. Three things: anatomy, diet, habitat.
2. Most fossils form when living things die and are buried by sediments.
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. Hard parts are more resistant to decay and destruction, so they are more likely to leave fossils.