The Fossil Record SC-07-3.5.1
Learning Objectives
Be able to describe
the fossil record and
knowledge gained
from studying them
List evidence to explain reasons why the fossil record is
incomplete
Be able to explain why ocean fossils
can be found on mountain tops
Starter
An animal or plant had to be very "lucky" to become a
fossil, and even luckier to have its fossil remains
discovered. Fossilization is an infrequent occurrence
that is highly dependent on chance. In the past, like
today, the remains of most organisms were eaten by
animals, consumed by microorganisms, or weathered
away. Only dead organisms that are buried in sediment
quickly can escape these destructive natural processes
and become fossils. After remains have been buried and
preserved, they may still be destroyed by geological
processes, or exposed and weathered away before
people can find them.
Organisms that were very rare in their environment might never
have been fossilized simply because the odds of preservation
favor more numerous organisms. Animals with small and delicate
bones, such as small birds and amphibians, would be less likely
to be preserved - and discovered - than larger organisms with
tougher bones. Soft-bodied organisms like worms are even more
poorly represented in the fossil record because they had no hard
parts that could resist decay. We usually learn of their existence
only if we find fossilized burrows, or trackways or impressions
left by their bodies in soft sediments.
Scientists studying ancient ecosystems such as this one try to
collect fossils from as many types of organisms as possible, but
they never expect to find fossil evidence of everything that lived
there.
THINK ABOUT IT- Is the fossil record complete? Review the
evidence you just read and list details to support you choice.
How to become a fossil...
… well, first the organism has to die... Then it must be lucky
enough to land near water so the fossilization process can occur...
Watch the video below to learn more, you will need to summarize if
a fossil is still bone or has changed into something else...
Interpreting the fossil record
Visit the link below to help answer the questions listed on your
organizer/study guide
The Fossil Record
SKIM the top section, but begin reading at “How
reliable is the fossil record”.
While reading, pay close attention to details that may help
explain why the fossil record has been compared to a giant
jigsaw puzzle and what fossils tell us.
How can the fossil record tell us about environmental
conditions of the past?
Ocean fossils on a mountaintop...
FOR REAL??? That’s crazy... Or
is it??
Read the article link below to help solve the mystery of how
ocean fossils can be found on mountaintops
The New York Times: WHALE FOSSILS HIGH IN
ANDES SHOW HOW MOUNTAINS ROSE FROM
SEA
Symbiosis
Symbiosis quiz- click on the link and take the online quiz to test
your vocabulary on symbiotic relationships.
Fossil quiz- click on the link and take the online quiz to test your
knowledge about fossils.
Abiotic vs. biotic game click on the link and take the online quiz to
test your knowledge about fossils.