Question

Write an original sentence using the vocabulary word to which each phrase refers. fossil organism that lived for a short time

Short answer

'The fossil of the Trilobite shows it lived swiftly yet became extinct millions of years ago.'

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Vocabulary Word

The vocabulary word 'fossil' refers to the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock.

Analyze the Phrase

The phrase 'organism that lived for a short time' suggests that the sentence should involve a specific scenario in which an organism has become a fossil.

Create Content Related to the Word

Think of an organism that lived long ago, such as the Trilobite, which existed for a short geological time span, and incorporate the word 'fossil'.

Write the Original Sentence

Create a descriptive sentence using 'fossil' that aligns with the idea of an organism living for a short time. Example sentence: 'The fossil of the Trilobite shows it lived swiftly yet became extinct millions of years ago.'

Verify Sentence Quality

Ensure the sentence is grammatically correct and that it effectively uses the vocabulary word in context.

Key concepts

Trilobite

Trilobites are fascinating creatures that captivate the interest of both scientists and enthusiasts. These ancient marine arthropods roamed the Earth's oceans during the Paleozoic era. Remarkably, trilobites existed for over 270 million years before their extinction.

They are known for their distinctive three-lobed bodies, which are segmented and display a wide variety of sizes and shapes. These organisms played a significant role in the history of early life on our planet.

• As a critical part of the fossil record, trilobites help scientists understand ancient marine environments.
• These creatures varied greatly, with some being simple and others more complex, having spines and horns for protection or display.

Studying trilobites also provides valuable insights into the evolution of other arthropods as well as the ecological changes on Earth over millions of years.

Prehistoric Organisms

Prehistoric organisms are the building blocks of our planet's history, providing a window into ancient ecosystems. These organisms include plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that lived before recorded history. They range from the earliest single-celled organisms to dinosaurs and early mammals.

The study of these organisms is critical because:

• They inform us about the evolution and adaptation of life forms over immense time periods.
• They show us how life on Earth has reacted to climate changes, geological events, and mass extinctions.

Fossils of prehistoric organisms give scientists clues into their behavior, diet, and environment, allowing us to piece together a rich tapestry of life from millions of years ago.

Geological Time Span

Understanding the concept of geological time span is crucial for studying Earth's history. It refers to the extensive periods over which the Earth has formed, evolved, and experienced natural changes. Geological time spans are divided into several major units such as eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages.

This framework helps make sense of the vast timeline over which our planet has changed:

• The Paleozoic era saw the rise of marine life, including trilobites, and ended with a mass extinction.
• The Mesozoic era, known for dinosaurs, also saw significant geological changes.
• The Cenozoic era is called the "Age of Mammals," when mammals and birds became dominant.

By examining rocks and fossils from these different spans, scientists can decipher Earth's environmental milestones and biological evolution events.

Petrified Form

The term 'petrified form' is often used to describe the process by which organic material becomes fossilized. This fascinating transformation occurs when organic matter is gradually replaced by minerals, ensuring that the original structure is preserved in stone.

Petrification commonly happens through the following process:

• Organism's remains are buried under sediment.
• Mineral-rich water flows through the sediment.
• Over time, minerals deposit into the bone’s pores or spaces, replacing them cell by cell.

As a result, the organism becomes a stone-like replica of the original. Petrified fossils thus offer a detailed glimpse into the past, preserving delicate structures that help scientists recreate ancient life forms and their environments.