1. Paleontologist Evidence of Evolution 10/9/13
Strata Lab
Paleontologist
Evidence of Evolution
10/9/13

2. What is the job of a paleontologist? Pg. 43
Do-Now 10/11/13
What is the job of a paleontologist? Pg. 43

3. ANSWER
Paleontologists= scientists who study fossils & the history of life. They use geological evidence and fossil evidence to understand biological change.

4. Strata Activity
Geologists are able to give fossils a relative age by studying strata (Earth’s layers).
Observe the beaker of “strata” in front of you.
1. Which layer of strata is the oldest? Why?
2. You see 3 colored markers that are representing 3 fossils in the Earth. List which fossil is the oldest, second oldest, and youngest.
3. If these strata were actually layers in the Earth, what could you assume about the depth of the layer and the amount of time that has passed?

5. Strata In Argentina

6. Envelopes
Each envelope has 3 fossils (Hyracotherium, Merychippus, and Equus).
Your job is to determine which fossil is the oldest, second oldest, and most recent.
To get started:
Compare and contrast the foot fossils of each organism with that of a modern day horse. Which one is most similar? Least similar? How did you determine this?

7. Analysis Questions
1. Explain how you knew which fossil was the oldest, and which fossil was the youngest.
2. The beaker is representing 3 of Earth’s strata. If you were a paleontologist and found these fossils, which strata would each fossil be found in? Draw a diagram with 3 strata and draw the correct foot fossil in each.
Discussion Question: What might be a reason for why the horse hoof evolved?

8. Evolution of the horse

9. Evolution of the Horse

10. Writing Prompt
Pretend you are a paleontologist and are going to speak at a conference. You must write a brief summary explaining how the horse hoof evolved over time. Use evidence from the three different fossils you examined.