Fossils and Earth History Flashcards

Grade 4 · Science · Flashcards

Study key vocabulary for fossils, fossilization, and Earth's prehistoric past.

Flashcards

Fossil: The preserved remains, traces, or imprints of an organism that lived long ago
Fossilization: The process by which remains of organisms are preserved as fossils in rock
Paleontologist: A scientist who studies fossils to understand ancient life
Body fossil: A fossil preserving actual body parts such as bones, shells, or teeth
Trace fossil: A fossil recording organism activity: footprints, burrows, nests, feeding marks
Mold fossil: A hollow impression left in rock when an organism's body dissolves away
Cast fossil: A 3D fossil formed when minerals fill a mold fossil
Amber fossil: An organism preserved in hardened tree resin (amber)
Fossil record: The complete collection of fossils that documents the history of life on Earth
Sedimentary rock: The rock type where fossils are found — forms from compressed layers of sediment
Extinction: When an entire species dies out and no longer exists
Prehistoric: Referring to the time before written human history — millions of years ago