Dinosaur Fossils: A Journey Through Time
Dinosaur Fossils: A Journey Through Time
Imagine walking in the footsteps of giants… millions of years after they roamed the Earth! That's what paleontologists do when they study dinosaur fossils. But what are fossils, and how do we find them?
What is a Fossil?
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a plant or animal that lived long ago. Most dinosaur fossils are bones that have turned to rock through a process called fossilization. This process is rare, which is why we don't find fossils everywhere!
The Fossilization Process
- Fossil:
- The preserved remains of a plant or animal from long ago.
- Sediment:
- Material like mud, sand, or ash that settles at the bottom of water or on land.
- Erosion:
- The process of wearing away rock by wind or water.
- paleontologists:
- Scientists who study the history of life on Earth by finding and examining fossils.
- fossilization:
- The rare, natural process over thousands or millions of years where plant or animal remains turn into stone.
- sedimentary rock:
- A type of rock formed when layers of sand, mud, and other matter are squeezed and hardened over time.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is a fossil?
- 2Describe the first step in the fossilization process.
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“Dinosaur Fossils: A Journey Through Time” is a informational reading passage about Fossilization, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (439 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.