Fossil Record Definition
The fossil record is the collection of fossils in the Earth's crust and their placement in chronological order. For example, it shows how life on Earth has changed over time.
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The Fossil Record
Fun Facts
- The fossil record provides evidence that past life existed and how some living things evolved from water to land.
- The fossil record spans millions and millions of years and shows humans are the most complex organisms of all.
- Scientists look for patterns in the fossil record to make predictions about which organisms descended from others.
Why Do We Need To Know About Fossil Record
Learning about fossils helps us understand how life on Earth has changed over time and why it’s important for scientists. This knowledge is not just about knowing the past but also helps scientists, like paleontologists, study areas with lots of fossils, like Utah.
Fossils are very important in many jobs, such as working in a museum or doing research, where they show and learn from the best examples. They also help us learn big changes in history, like how animals moved from water to land. This shows us how fossils help solve big questions about how life has evolved and tell us about the history of our planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the Full Lesson on The Fossil Record
In this lesson, we learn that:
- Fossils are evidence of past life, such as bones, teeth, and footprints.
- The collection of fossils in the Earth's crust and their placement in chronological order is called the fossil record.
- Scientists study the fossil record to understand how life on Earth has changed over time.
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