Fossil Tracks

Write down four observations and one inference based on this picture.

Write down four more observations and a new inference.

Based on this information, what you think has happened? Make at least 3 more observations and your final inference.

Answer these questions in complete sentences on your notebook entry… 1.Did everyone have the exact same inference? Explain why or why not. 2. How is this activity like the fossil record? (Hint: think of the fossil record as a puzzle)

On your map locate and label the following: At 37 degrees N and 85 degrees W place a “B” At 32 degrees N and 82 degrees W place a “CW” At 38 degrees N and 81 degrees W place a “C” At 32 degrees N and 90 degrees W place a “PW” At 40 degrees N and 82 degrees W place a “T” At 38 degrees N and 93 degrees W place a “SL”

CW = CARCHAROCELES MEGALODON C = CORAL B = BRACHIOPOD PW = PRIMITIVE WHALES T = TRILOBITES SL = SEA LILIES

CW = CARCHAROCELES MEGALODON C = CORAL  *Georgia state fossil  220,000 lbs  *Grew to about 70 feet  *5 rows of teeth on the top and the bottom (28 teeth per row on the top and 30 teeth per row on the bottom  Scientist believe the megalodon ate 1.25 tons of food per day  *Found in shallow marine environments  *State fossil of West Virginia  Horn Coral is the most abundant

“B” BRACHIOPODS“PW” PRIMITIVE WHALES  *Look like clams  *Marine organism  Not related to clams or snails  *Kentucky state Fossil  *State fossils of Mississippi and Alabama  *Similar to modern day whales  *Food source for Megalodon

“T” TRILOBITES“SL” SEA LILIES  *Marine organisms  *Bottom dwellers  Related to horseshoe crabs  *State fossil of Ohio  *Marine organisms  Related to sea urchin  *State fossil of Missouri

What do you think the Earth’s surface in this area looked like 10 million years ago?