Living Things of the Past We can study fossils to learn about ancient plants and animals and their environments.

What can happen if the environment suddenly changes? If suddenly the environment changes, many organisms can die. Changes: Climate or Temperature change. Volcano eruption. Big Earthquake Big meteor crashed down to earth. Effect: organisms become extinct.

What can happen if the environment suddenly changes? What is left after the disaster? Since animals become extinct. We know what they are because of FOSSILS. Fossils – the remains or what is left of organisms long ago. Extinct- when there are no more of its kind left.

Extinct Organisms (No more) Some Extinct Animals: Saber toothed cats – temperature and climate change which made them lose their food. Red gazelle – was hunted to often by man. St. Helena Olive Tree - died because of disease and dry weather.

How can we learn about things that lived long ago? FOSSILS OF COURSE! Fossils can give clues like : Size Shape Teeth can tell us what they ate: Plants or Animals. Show us how the animals moved. (fins, wings)

How can we learn about things that lived long ago? Fossils: Scientists use fossils to find out how Earth and living things have changed over time. Ex: If you found a fossil of a fish on land what do you think the desert or land used to be? Most likely a lake or ocean.

How can we learn about things that lived long ago? Layers in the Earth. Where fossils are buried or under the ground will tell you how old it is. Fossils near the top are usually youngest. Fossil found down, deep, layers are older.