Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________ Per: _________
Evolution of Cartoon Fossils
Background: Evolution results from mutations, variations in populations, isolation of gene pools
and natural selection by environmental factors. Through time, life has evolved from a few simple
forms to present vast array of organisms on Earth.
When scientists find a fossil, they try to identify where the fossil belongs in the evolutionary
sequence. In this activity, you will have the opportunity to determine a probable sequence of
evolution of cartoon fossil organisms.
Materials:
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Scissors
Glue or tape
Poster paper (to glue/tape cutout cartoon fossils)
Pen/pencil and colored markers/pencils
Procedure:
1. Carefully cut out each cartoon fossil.
2. Examine the fossils and find traits that are shared between fossils (i.e. horns, webbed feet
etc)
3. Record these traits in Data Table 1
4. Describe what advantage this trait would have for the organism in Data Table 1.
5. Number your traits from 1-5. One being the first trait you think appeared and five being the
most resent trait that appeared in this organism. (Hint: Older traits are found in most fossils,
newer traits are found only in the youngest fossils)
6. Organize your fossils on the poster paper according to the traits you think appeared first.
Glue/tape down when you are done.
7. Write AT LEAST THREE environmental factors on the poster paper next to your fossils that
caused for the new traits (ex: webbed feet appear more food found in water)
8. Sketch a present day organism that you think could have evolved from the fossils. Describe
how its traits are well suited to its environment.
9. Answer the conclusion questions.
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________ Per: _________
Data Table #1
Shared Trait
(most have in common)
Advantage for organism
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________ Per: _________
Sketch of present-day organism and its environment
Describe how your modern day organism’s traits are well suited for its environment. Which
traits did it still maintain over time?
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________ Per: _________
Conclusion Questions
1. What trait stood out the most to when you began to look for evolutionary “links”?
2. Does your diagram of fossils look like everyone else’s? How does it differ
3. What environmental factor “shaped” your organism the most (food supply, climate
etc.)? Explain why.
4. Over how many years do you think it took for this evolution to take place?
5. Describe an environmental “event” that could have led to the extinction of your cartoon
fossil.
6. Match the type of fossil with its description
________Trace Fossils
A. organisms trapped in tree resin that hardens
into amber
________Amber-preserved
fossils
B. minerals carried by water are deposited
around or replace the hard structure
________Preserved remains
C. Form when flowing water removes all of
original bones, leaving impression in
sediment. Minerals fill in the mold
________ Permineralization
D. Form when entire organism becomes encased
in material such as ice, volcanic ash, or
immersed in bogs.
________ Natural casts
E. Record activity of organism. Include nests,
burrows, imprints of leaves, and footprints