Question

1. Describe the process scientists use when they study fossils. Include where fossils could be found and what steps scientists take to protect fossils, once they are discovered.
2. Discuss, in detail, three things that we can learn from fossils.

3. Choose three types of fossils. Describe their appearance and how they were formed.

Answer 1

Fossils can be found in old sedimentary rocks. Relative dating and chemical dating is used to study the fossils. Fossils are handled very carefully in order to protect them. They are cleaned with soft brushes, they are sent out in soft crates with plenty of padding.

There are many things that can be learned from fossils. Through fossils scientists can learn about animals that are extinct. They can learn what the earth was like long ago, and how plants and animals interacted with one another.

Trace fossils are one type of fossil, these are created by things such as footprints. A cast fossil is formed when something is filled in, and mold fossils are made by a negative image.