1. Learning Intention: 8.LS4.1
Science
8th Grade
Notes: Standard 09
Learning Intention: 8.LS4.1
Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change in life forms throughout Earth’s history.
Terms/phrases to Investigate
Fossil Record, (Bio)diversity, Extinction, Earth’s (Geologic) History
Crosscutting Concepts
Patterns, Structure and Function, Stability and Change
Success Criteria/I Can Statement
By the end of this unit I will be able to say...
...I can identify and describe patterns in the fossil record which
reveals ancient life forms, structural changes over time, and
extinctions.

2. Science
8th Grade
Notes: Standard 09
What Are Fossils?
Fossils are the preserved physical remains of deceased organisms that are at least 10,000 years old
NOTE: Most organisms DO NOT become fossils after death
NOTE: The formation of fossils is a RARE event
Video Clip
Link (54 sec): How Fossils Are Made
Video Clip
Link (1 min 50 sec): What is a fossil?
Primate Fossil:
47 million years old
Whale Fossil:
25 million years old

3. Types of Fossils Science 8th Grade Notes: Standard 09 Fossils In Rocks
Fossils In Amber
Petrified Fossils
Fossils In Asphalt
Frozen Fossils
Trace Fossils
Mold/Cast Fossils
Index Fossils

4. Examples: Ammonites and Trilobites
Index Fossils
...are fossils commonly found at certain strata levels across large geographic areas. They are used to estimate the rock’s age.
Examples: Ammonites and Trilobites
Ammonite fossil
Trilobite fossil
Ammonite
Trilobite
This invertebrate first appeared in the Devonian period. They went extinct during the Cretaceous-Paleogen mass extinction event.
This invertebrate first appeared in the Cambrian period. They went extinct during the Permian mass extinction event.

5. Fossils in Sedimentary Rock
Sediment refers to particles of dirt, rock, and organic debris. Sedimentary rock is formed from this.
Video Clip
Link (2 min 10 sec): Fossils in Sedimentary Rock
Video Clip
Link (1 min 38 sec): Law of Superposition
Law of Superposition Bottom layers older. Top layers younger.

6. Sedimentary Process and Fossils
A) Erosion washes away particles of dirt, rock, & organic debris.
B) These particles accumulate somewhere else into layers.
C) Deceased organisms sometimes accumulate in these layers.
D) Under certain rare conditions, these organisms become fossils.
E) Over time, layers pile up on top of pre-existing layers.
Video Clip
Link ( 1 min 51 sec): Sedimentary Rock Formation

7. Strata: Another name for rock layers
Stratigraphy: the science of classifying and interpreting stratified rock formations.
Geologic Column
Cenozoic B C D E F A
Patterns in the strata reveal multiple diversification times followed by multiple mass extinction events.
Strata: Another name for rock layers
F) Cretaceous-Paleogen Extinction (65 MYA)
---after: life diversified/mammals prospered
E) Triassic-Jurassic Extinction: (210 MYA)
---after: life diversified/new life forms appeared
D) Permian-Triassic Extinction: (250 MYA)
---after: life diversified and dinosaurs prospered
C) Devonian Extinction: (364 MYA)
---after: life diversified/new life forms appeared
B) Ordovician-Silurian Extinction: (439 MYA)
---after: life diversified/new life forms appeared
A) Cambrian Explosion: (542 MYA)
----fossils of complex organisms appeared in large numbers and types for first time.

8. How to Interpret the Fossil Record
1) Identify the type of rock:
(provides environmental clues)
sandstone: formed from sand, siltstone: formed from silt,
shale: formed from mud, limestone: formed in shallow oceans, etc
2) Look for index fossils
search for ammonites, trilobites, or others.
3) Examine the fossil’s structure and function
Terrestrial
flat teeth/herbivore
Shells, backbones, leg bones fins, beaks, and/or type of teeth, reveal facts about the
organism’s environment
Terrestrial
legs/backbone
Aquatic
4) Draw Conclusions
Aquatic
Index Fossil

9. Multi-Select Question
Review Questions
Notes: Standard 09
Be Aware!
Multi-Select Question
False
True
True

10. Trilobites (invertebrates)
Review Questions
Notes: Standard 09
Trilobites were
crab-like organisms with exoskeletons and no backbone.
Vertebrates
Trilobites (invertebrates)

11. Review Questions Notes: Standard 09
Trilobites were
very successful
for hundreds of millions of years. They were wiped out during the Permian extinction.

12. Review Questions
Notes: Standard 09

13. Review Questions
Notes: Standard 09