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organization of Organisms

Objective

In this activity, you will analyze fossils and draw conclusions about the classifications of these organisms.



Introduction

Fossils are remnants or imprints of prehistoric living organisms. Studying fossils helps scientists learn more about the history of Earth, as well as the characteristics of organisms that lived long ago.



Fossils provide insight into how life on Earth diversified and also into the evolution of present-day organisms. In this activity, you’ll examine four fossil samples, and categorize them based on their characteristics.



Organization of Organisms

In this unit activity, you will analyze fossils and draw conclusions based on the classifications of these organisms.



Estimated time to complete: 2 hours



Part A: Collect Data

Question 1

Closely examine each fossil. Then, complete the table to record your observations, which should include these details:

Predicted kingdom: Classify the fossil based on whether it shows the characteristics of a plant, animal, or fungi.

Physical characteristics: Note the shape, patterns, and any other physical features of the fossils.

Predictions about its environment: Based on the features of the fossil, make a prediction about what type of environment the organism lived in. Was it an aquatic organism or a land organism? Did it require a hot or cold climate?

Similar living organisms: Try to identify a present-day organism that resembles your fossil. What characteristics do the two organisms share? What characteristics are different?

Answer:





Fossil A

Fossil B

Fossil C

Fossil D

Predicted Kingdom

















Physical Characteristics

















Prediction About its Environment

















Similar Living Organisms





















Question 2

The following chart lists taxonomy classifications for seven organisms. Some have just one classification, while others have a subclassification. Which four classifications best match the classifications of your fossils? Research the classifications if you don’t know their characteristics, and cite any websites you use.



Now complete the following table to explain your reasoning for the classification of your fossils.

Answer:

Fossil

Most Similar to This Organism

Reasoning

A









B









C









D













Part B: Analyze and Extend

Question 1

Based on your investigation, what challenges do scientists face when classifying a new fossil?

Answer:



Question 2

How can scientists use the fossil record to find evidence of relationships between different species?

Answer:



Question 3

In part A, you predicted the environment these organisms lived in, based on their physical characteristics. Did your classifications in part A support your original predictions? Why is understanding the environment of fossilized organisms important to scientific research?

Answer:







Question 4

Which of your fossils are most likely heterotrophs? Which of them are autotrophs? How do you know?

Answer:



Question 5

Microorganisms also exist in the fossil record, but they’re rarer than other types of fossils. The most common fossils form from hard body parts, such as bones, teeth, and shells. Why do you think these fossils are more common than fossils of other soft tissues or microorganisms?

Answer: