Fossils / Extinction

Question 1

What factors are needed for fossil formation?

Answer 1

Oxygen, minerals, sediment, micro-organisms

Question 2

How are fossils formed. (4 steps)

Answer 2

1. Organism is covered in sediment/mud, 2. Soft parts decay/ eaten by micro-organisms, 3. Bones/hard parts preserved by minerals, 4. Compressed sediment forms sedimentary rock around fossil over time.

Question 3

Name the reasons why a species may become extinct.

Answer 3

New Predators, Better competitors, New diseases, Nature/disaster (asteroid)

Question 4

Define extinction.

Answer 4

The permanent loss of all the members of a species.

Question 5

Define species.

Answer 5

A group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Question 6

Define Speciation.

Answer 6

The formation of a new species due to evolution. May cause extinction of another species. E.g. early homonoids