Life Science - 3rd Grade Science
Card 0 of 696
What do fossils show about environments of long ago?
What do fossils show about environments of long ago?
Fossils give scientists lots of valuable information about not only the organism but the environment in which it lived. From fossils, scientists can see how an environment has changed over time. If the fossil is found on a tall hillside, but it is the remains for an aquatic animal, scientists now know the area used to be underwater. If a plant was only found in desert areas but is now found in the middle of grassland, scientists can see how that area has changed over the years.
Fossils give scientists lots of valuable information about not only the organism but the environment in which it lived. From fossils, scientists can see how an environment has changed over time. If the fossil is found on a tall hillside, but it is the remains for an aquatic animal, scientists now know the area used to be underwater. If a plant was only found in desert areas but is now found in the middle of grassland, scientists can see how that area has changed over the years.
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Gordon Hubbell and a crew of fossil hunters were digging holes in the desert of Peru in 1988. This desert is one of the driest places on Earth. It gets almost no rain. Hubbel was digging and found jawbones and more than 200 sharp teeth. He is an expert in fossilized sharks, so he recognized the teeth right away. They were shaped like triangles and came to a very sharp point. They belonged to a distant relative of the great white shark!
What did these fossils tell scientists about the environment in which they were found?
Gordon Hubbell and a crew of fossil hunters were digging holes in the desert of Peru in 1988. This desert is one of the driest places on Earth. It gets almost no rain. Hubbel was digging and found jawbones and more than 200 sharp teeth. He is an expert in fossilized sharks, so he recognized the teeth right away. They were shaped like triangles and came to a very sharp point. They belonged to a distant relative of the great white shark!
What did these fossils tell scientists about the environment in which they were found?
These fossils were a fascinating find for Hubbell's team and scientists in general. Finding shark teeth in what is now a desert tells researchers that this environment has changed over the years. For sharks to live there, it would have been underwater during their time period. Scientists can now study how, when, and why the area is now a desert.
These fossils were a fascinating find for Hubbell's team and scientists in general. Finding shark teeth in what is now a desert tells researchers that this environment has changed over the years. For sharks to live there, it would have been underwater during their time period. Scientists can now study how, when, and why the area is now a desert.
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Antarctica is the coldest place on our planet. Temperatures can reach -120oF, and winds can be powerful. There are no plants or animals that can make their homes permanently in central Antarctica. Scientists were exploring a place called the Dry Valleys and found fossils of moss and small animals. They were discovered in ancient lakebeds. When researchers found the age of the fossils, they were about 14.1 million years old. Scientists realized that shrubs grew around the lakes, and insects lived there too. For insects and plants to survive this area, it had to be warmer and more welcoming to life than it is today.
Which two sentences are evidence that there was a change in the environment over time?
Antarctica is the coldest place on our planet. Temperatures can reach -120oF, and winds can be powerful. There are no plants or animals that can make their homes permanently in central Antarctica. Scientists were exploring a place called the Dry Valleys and found fossils of moss and small animals. They were discovered in ancient lakebeds. When researchers found the age of the fossils, they were about 14.1 million years old. Scientists realized that shrubs grew around the lakes, and insects lived there too. For insects and plants to survive this area, it had to be warmer and more welcoming to life than it is today.
Which two sentences are evidence that there was a change in the environment over time?
This short passage includes a lot of information and details about the fossils found in Antarctica. The passage explains that there was a change in the environment. Currently, Antarctica is freezing and not hospitable for life year-round, but there was evidence of moss and small animals that were found in fossils. This tells readers that at one point, it must have been warmer than it is today to support life. The sentences that include this evidence are, "Scientists realized that shrubs grew around the lakes, and insects lived there too. For insects and plants to survive this area, it had to be warmer and more welcoming to life than it is today.".
This short passage includes a lot of information and details about the fossils found in Antarctica. The passage explains that there was a change in the environment. Currently, Antarctica is freezing and not hospitable for life year-round, but there was evidence of moss and small animals that were found in fossils. This tells readers that at one point, it must have been warmer than it is today to support life. The sentences that include this evidence are, "Scientists realized that shrubs grew around the lakes, and insects lived there too. For insects and plants to survive this area, it had to be warmer and more welcoming to life than it is today.".
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In the Arctic, there are large sheets of ice. Scientists have found palm branches fossilized in the ice.
This tells researchers that the environment may have changed. What might this environment have been in the past?
In the Arctic, there are large sheets of ice. Scientists have found palm branches fossilized in the ice.
This tells researchers that the environment may have changed. What might this environment have been in the past?
Scientists or researchers study fossils to learn about the environment and any changes that may have occurred over time. In this example, a palm branch was found under a sheet of ice in the Arctic, which is not typical for what we know of the environment today. When thinking about where palm branches are usually found, scientists could see that this area used to be a tropical island. To support the plant's basic needs, it was once much warmer in this location.
Scientists or researchers study fossils to learn about the environment and any changes that may have occurred over time. In this example, a palm branch was found under a sheet of ice in the Arctic, which is not typical for what we know of the environment today. When thinking about where palm branches are usually found, scientists could see that this area used to be a tropical island. To support the plant's basic needs, it was once much warmer in this location.
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Researchers were digging in the desert when they came across a fossilized cactus leaf buried in the sand.
Environments can change over time. Some places stay the same. What might this environment have been in the past?
Researchers were digging in the desert when they came across a fossilized cactus leaf buried in the sand.
Environments can change over time. Some places stay the same. What might this environment have been in the past?
Many environments change over time, and fossils tell researchers what those changes are. In this example, the scientists are digging in the desert and found a cactus leaf. A cactus would most likely be found in the desert, so the environment has not changed over time. If a seashell were found or an aquatic plant, researchers would know there had been a shift over the years from a wet area to very dry.
Many environments change over time, and fossils tell researchers what those changes are. In this example, the scientists are digging in the desert and found a cactus leaf. A cactus would most likely be found in the desert, so the environment has not changed over time. If a seashell were found or an aquatic plant, researchers would know there had been a shift over the years from a wet area to very dry.
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Gordon Hubbell and a crew of fossil hunters were digging holes in the desert of Peru in 1988. This desert is one of the driest places on Earth. It gets almost no rain. Hubbel was digging and found jawbones and more than 200 sharp teeth. He is an expert in fossilized sharks, so he recognized the teeth right away. They were shaped like triangles and came to a very sharp point. They belonged to a distant relative of the great white shark!
Why is Hubbell's discovery surprising?
Gordon Hubbell and a crew of fossil hunters were digging holes in the desert of Peru in 1988. This desert is one of the driest places on Earth. It gets almost no rain. Hubbel was digging and found jawbones and more than 200 sharp teeth. He is an expert in fossilized sharks, so he recognized the teeth right away. They were shaped like triangles and came to a very sharp point. They belonged to a distant relative of the great white shark!
Why is Hubbell's discovery surprising?
These fossils were a surprising find for Hubbell's team and scientists in general. Finding shark teeth in what is now a desert tells researchers that this environment has changed over the years. For sharks to live there, it would have been underwater during their period. Scientists can now study how, when, and why the area is now a desert. What is currently a dry, hot desert was once an ocean, sea, or large body of water. This is a surprising find and development.
These fossils were a surprising find for Hubbell's team and scientists in general. Finding shark teeth in what is now a desert tells researchers that this environment has changed over the years. For sharks to live there, it would have been underwater during their period. Scientists can now study how, when, and why the area is now a desert. What is currently a dry, hot desert was once an ocean, sea, or large body of water. This is a surprising find and development.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Antarctica is the coldest place on our planet. Temperatures can reach -120oF, and winds can be powerful. There are no plants or animals that can make their homes permanently in central Antarctica. Scientists were exploring a place called the Dry Valleys and found fossils of moss and small animals. They were discovered in ancient lakebeds. When researchers found the age of the fossils, they were about 14.1 million years old. Scientists realized that shrubs grew around the lakes, and insects lived there too. For insects and plants to survive this area, it had to be warmer and more welcoming to life than it is today.
What did scientists discover that led them to believe Antarctica was once a very different place?
Antarctica is the coldest place on our planet. Temperatures can reach -120oF, and winds can be powerful. There are no plants or animals that can make their homes permanently in central Antarctica. Scientists were exploring a place called the Dry Valleys and found fossils of moss and small animals. They were discovered in ancient lakebeds. When researchers found the age of the fossils, they were about 14.1 million years old. Scientists realized that shrubs grew around the lakes, and insects lived there too. For insects and plants to survive this area, it had to be warmer and more welcoming to life than it is today.
What did scientists discover that led them to believe Antarctica was once a very different place?
This short passage includes a lot of information and details about the fossils and lakebeds found in Antarctica. The passage explains that there was a change in the environment. Currently, Antarctica is freezing and not hospitable for life year-round, but there was evidence of moss and small animals that were found in fossils in ancient lakebeds. This tells readers that at one point, it must have been warmer than it is today to support life.
This short passage includes a lot of information and details about the fossils and lakebeds found in Antarctica. The passage explains that there was a change in the environment. Currently, Antarctica is freezing and not hospitable for life year-round, but there was evidence of moss and small animals that were found in fossils in ancient lakebeds. This tells readers that at one point, it must have been warmer than it is today to support life.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
High up in the Himalaya Mountains, fossils of fish and other aquatic sea animals have been found. These mountains are hundreds of miles away from the closest sea. They are snow-capped at the tip, and the land is dry and brown. The layered rocks of the Himalayas are rich with not only fossils of aquatic creatures but also fossils of coral reef remnants and marine plants.
What does this information tell researchers or scientists?
High up in the Himalaya Mountains, fossils of fish and other aquatic sea animals have been found. These mountains are hundreds of miles away from the closest sea. They are snow-capped at the tip, and the land is dry and brown. The layered rocks of the Himalayas are rich with not only fossils of aquatic creatures but also fossils of coral reef remnants and marine plants.
What does this information tell researchers or scientists?
Scientists or researchers study fossils to learn about the environment and any changes that may have occurred over time. In this example, aquatic plants, animals, and coral reef fossils were found in the rock layers of the Himalaya Mountains, which is not typical for what we know of the environment today. When thinking about where these types of fossils are usually found, scientists could see that this area used to be underwater.
Scientists or researchers study fossils to learn about the environment and any changes that may have occurred over time. In this example, aquatic plants, animals, and coral reef fossils were found in the rock layers of the Himalaya Mountains, which is not typical for what we know of the environment today. When thinking about where these types of fossils are usually found, scientists could see that this area used to be underwater.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
High up in the Himalaya Mountains, fossils of fish and other aquatic sea animals have been found. These mountains are hundreds of miles away from the closest sea. They are snow-capped at the tip, and the land is dry and brown. The layered rocks of the Himalayas are rich with not only fossils of aquatic creatures but also fossils of coral reef remnants and marine plants.
Where would these types of fossils typically be found?
High up in the Himalaya Mountains, fossils of fish and other aquatic sea animals have been found. These mountains are hundreds of miles away from the closest sea. They are snow-capped at the tip, and the land is dry and brown. The layered rocks of the Himalayas are rich with not only fossils of aquatic creatures but also fossils of coral reef remnants and marine plants.
Where would these types of fossils typically be found?
Scientists or researchers study fossils to learn about the environment and any changes that may have occurred over time. Typically fossils of coral reefs, marine plants, and aquatic creatures would be found in an ocean. These fossils were found in the rock layers of the Himalaya Mountains, which shows there was a change in the environment over time.
Scientists or researchers study fossils to learn about the environment and any changes that may have occurred over time. Typically fossils of coral reefs, marine plants, and aquatic creatures would be found in an ocean. These fossils were found in the rock layers of the Himalaya Mountains, which shows there was a change in the environment over time.
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Researchers were digging in the desert when they came across a fossilized cactus leaf buried in the sand. This discovery proves that this environment has changed immensely over time.
Researchers were digging in the desert when they came across a fossilized cactus leaf buried in the sand. This discovery proves that this environment has changed immensely over time.
The statement in the question is false. If a cactus leaf was found, it means the environment was a desert at the time of the plant's death. The area is still a desert, which shows this area has not changed during the two time periods. There are other examples of areas that have changed drastically through the years, but this is not one of them.
The statement in the question is false. If a cactus leaf was found, it means the environment was a desert at the time of the plant's death. The area is still a desert, which shows this area has not changed during the two time periods. There are other examples of areas that have changed drastically through the years, but this is not one of them.
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Environmental changes cannot cause problems for animals.
Environmental changes cannot cause problems for animals.
This is a false statement. Environmental changes can cause significant problems for animals. If humans cut down a forest to build a new neighborhood, animals are displaced, maybe without homes, or food sources are lost. These would be terrible changes to the environment that would have long-lasting effects on animals.
This is a false statement. Environmental changes can cause significant problems for animals. If humans cut down a forest to build a new neighborhood, animals are displaced, maybe without homes, or food sources are lost. These would be terrible changes to the environment that would have long-lasting effects on animals.
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Birds that are migrating to California usually stop along the way to rest, eat, and drink water. The birds head to California to get away from the frigid weather in Canada. They would not survive without migrating. This year as the birds land at their usual stopping points, they notice it is hotter and dryer than average. As humans, we realize we are in a drought, but the birds do not know this. They are struggling to make the rest of the journey because it is too hot, and there is no water to drink.
How could the animals adjust their behaviors because of the environmental changes?
Birds that are migrating to California usually stop along the way to rest, eat, and drink water. The birds head to California to get away from the frigid weather in Canada. They would not survive without migrating. This year as the birds land at their usual stopping points, they notice it is hotter and dryer than average. As humans, we realize we are in a drought, but the birds do not know this. They are struggling to make the rest of the journey because it is too hot, and there is no water to drink.
How could the animals adjust their behaviors because of the environmental changes?
The birds are facing more than one problem caused by the environment in this scenario. They have to get to California to stay out of the cold weather in Canada, but there is nowhere to rest with food and water on their current route. The birds may have to change their course to avoid the drought-ridden areas to survive the migration.
The birds are facing more than one problem caused by the environment in this scenario. They have to get to California to stay out of the cold weather in Canada, but there is nowhere to rest with food and water on their current route. The birds may have to change their course to avoid the drought-ridden areas to survive the migration.
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What is a negative effect that an environmental change may have on an animal?
What is a negative effect that an environmental change may have on an animal?
Animals can suffer adverse consequences that require them to change their behavior to survive. If animals are used to crossing through a wooded area to get to a food or water source, they will continue to do so even after a road or neighborhood is built. Animals will have to change this behavior to avoid being hit by vehicles.
Animals can suffer adverse consequences that require them to change their behavior to survive. If animals are used to crossing through a wooded area to get to a food or water source, they will continue to do so even after a road or neighborhood is built. Animals will have to change this behavior to avoid being hit by vehicles.
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What does the term environmental change mean?
What does the term environmental change mean?
An environmental change is a disturbance that causes changes. It can be human-made or something caused by nature. It can cause plants and animals to adjust and adapt their behaviors to the new environment to survive.
An environmental change is a disturbance that causes changes. It can be human-made or something caused by nature. It can cause plants and animals to adjust and adapt their behaviors to the new environment to survive.
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Which answer choice is an example of a change that an animal would NOT be able to make due to the environment changing?
Which answer choice is an example of a change that an animal would NOT be able to make due to the environment changing?
Animals often have to change their behaviors to adapt to changes in the environment. Bats would not be able to improve their eyesight to locate more insects suddenly. Bats have poor vision and use echolocation to find food; they cannot control their sight to make it easier for locating bugs. This is a change that they would not be able to do.
Animals often have to change their behaviors to adapt to changes in the environment. Bats would not be able to improve their eyesight to locate more insects suddenly. Bats have poor vision and use echolocation to find food; they cannot control their sight to make it easier for locating bugs. This is a change that they would not be able to do.
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Polar bears hunt seals through holes in the sea ice. They travel from great distances across sheets of frozen water to find seal colonies. The seals rest on the ice in large groups and raise their pups. When the seals go out to hunt fish they slip into the water from the edge of the ice.
If temperatures rise and the ice begins to melt, what impact could there be for the seals?
Polar bears hunt seals through holes in the sea ice. They travel from great distances across sheets of frozen water to find seal colonies. The seals rest on the ice in large groups and raise their pups. When the seals go out to hunt fish they slip into the water from the edge of the ice.
If temperatures rise and the ice begins to melt, what impact could there be for the seals?
Animals may have to change when there are environmental changes that impact their lives. In the case of the seal dealing with the difference in the amount of sea ice, the change would need to be huge to survive. Seals rely on the sea ice for raising their pups and escaping polar bears, so they would either need to adapt and change their offspring-rearing techniques or find another place to live. These changes would be challenging, and the seals may not survive.
Animals may have to change when there are environmental changes that impact their lives. In the case of the seal dealing with the difference in the amount of sea ice, the change would need to be huge to survive. Seals rely on the sea ice for raising their pups and escaping polar bears, so they would either need to adapt and change their offspring-rearing techniques or find another place to live. These changes would be challenging, and the seals may not survive.
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Environmental changes will only affect animals if they make temperatures warmer.
Environmental changes will only affect animals if they make temperatures warmer.
This is a false statement. Environmental changes can cause significant problems for animals. These effects are not solely because of temperatures rising. If temperatures dropped and animals were not well-adapted or equipped to deal with the change, they may not survive. If forests are cut down, droughts occurred, or massive flooding engulfed an area, animals would be affected. These would be terrible changes to the environment that would have long-lasting effects on animals.
This is a false statement. Environmental changes can cause significant problems for animals. These effects are not solely because of temperatures rising. If temperatures dropped and animals were not well-adapted or equipped to deal with the change, they may not survive. If forests are cut down, droughts occurred, or massive flooding engulfed an area, animals would be affected. These would be terrible changes to the environment that would have long-lasting effects on animals.
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Birds that are migrating to California usually stop along the way to rest, eat, and drink water. The birds head to California to get away from the frigid weather in Canada. They would not survive without migrating. This year as the birds land at their usual stopping points, they notice it is hotter and dryer than average. As humans, we realize we are in a drought, but the birds do not know this. They are struggling to make the rest of the journey because it is too hot, and there is no water to drink.
What will most likely happen to the birds because of the severe drought?
Birds that are migrating to California usually stop along the way to rest, eat, and drink water. The birds head to California to get away from the frigid weather in Canada. They would not survive without migrating. This year as the birds land at their usual stopping points, they notice it is hotter and dryer than average. As humans, we realize we are in a drought, but the birds do not know this. They are struggling to make the rest of the journey because it is too hot, and there is no water to drink.
What will most likely happen to the birds because of the severe drought?
The birds are facing more than one problem caused by the environment in this scenario. They have to get to California to stay out of the cold weather in Canada, but there is nowhere to rest with food and water on their current route. The birds will likely not make the journey and die if they do not have access to water. It is improbable that the birds will make the trip back home due to exhaustion, and they cannot dig into the ground for water sources.
The birds are facing more than one problem caused by the environment in this scenario. They have to get to California to stay out of the cold weather in Canada, but there is nowhere to rest with food and water on their current route. The birds will likely not make the journey and die if they do not have access to water. It is improbable that the birds will make the trip back home due to exhaustion, and they cannot dig into the ground for water sources.
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What is a positive effect that an environmental change may have on an animal?
What is a positive effect that an environmental change may have on an animal?
Animals can suffer adverse consequences that require them to change their behavior to survive, but there are also positive effects of environmental changes. "Jackson's Boy Scout troop installed new bat houses in the local park" is the correct answer because this adds shelter for bats, which is positive, and it will bring more bats to the area to eat pesky insects.
Animals can suffer adverse consequences that require them to change their behavior to survive, but there are also positive effects of environmental changes. "Jackson's Boy Scout troop installed new bat houses in the local park" is the correct answer because this adds shelter for bats, which is positive, and it will bring more bats to the area to eat pesky insects.
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Which answer choice is an example of a change that an animal would be able to make due to the environment changing?
Which answer choice is an example of a change that an animal would be able to make due to the environment changing?
Animals often have to change their behaviors to adapt to changes in the environment. Cats would be able to hide under cars to escape a thunderstorm and stay dry. This is a change that they would be able to do. The other answer choices are improbably or impossible for animals to do.
Animals often have to change their behaviors to adapt to changes in the environment. Cats would be able to hide under cars to escape a thunderstorm and stay dry. This is a change that they would be able to do. The other answer choices are improbably or impossible for animals to do.
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