Science Common Sense

1286 - What do fossils in rock layers tell us about extinct organisms like trilobites and dinosaurs?

Fossils in rock layers can tell us a lot about extinct organisms like trilobites and dinosaurs. Here are a few things:

1. What they looked like: Fossils can show us the shape, size, and even details of the organism's body.
2. When they lived: The layer of rock where a fossil is found can tell us how long ago the organism lived. Older rocks are usually at the bottom, while newer rocks are at the top.
3. Where they lived: By looking at the type of rock and other fossils around it, we can figure out what kind of environment the organism lived in.
4. How they died and were preserved: Sometimes fossils can show us how the organism died, like if it was buried quickly or if it was attacked by predators.

It's like a puzzle, and by looking at all the clues in the rocks, we can put together a picture of what these ancient creatures were like when they were alive.