Fossil Lab - Diversity of Life over Geologic Time - legacyjr.net

Fossil LabEarth ScienceMr. IllumPurpose: To familiarize students with the diversity of living organisms andenvironmental changes throughout geologic time.Materials:Fossil set and identification sheetJournalProcedure:In your journal complete the following1. Observe each of the specimens in the fossil set.2. For each specimen;-Draw a sketch of the organism-Give its scientific name-Tell what type of organism it is-Tell from what geologic period it is from-Identify what type of environment it possibly lived in.-Identify what type of fossil preservation it represents(i.e. Actual, mold, cast, carbonization, trace fossil)Analysis and conclusion questions1. Make table showing the different types of fossilization evident in the collectionand how each type is formed and preserves the remains of the living organisms.2. What is the most common part of an organism to be preserved as a fossil?3. What is a Trace Fossil and how is it formed?4. How do geologists use Index Fossils to interpret events in geologic history?5. Describe environmental conditions in which fossilization is most likely to occur?

6. Explain or describe how the diversity of life has changed throughout geologictime.7. How does geologic change (Earth’s changing environments due to geologicactivity – tectonics, climate change, erosion cycles etc…) affect biologicalevolution?Please complete a reflective summary for this activity. (no less than 2/3 of a pagein paragraph form) Why did we conduct this activity? What was I supposed tolearn? Why is that important? How does this connect to Earth Systems?