Fossils and Evidence of Past Life — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A fossil is a living plant that grows on a rock today.
Corrected: A fossil is preserved remains or a trace of an organism from long ago.
In Grade 3 science, fossils are preserved remains or traces, not living things.
2. Fix the sentence:
Fossils is found inside rocks and sediment.
Corrected: Fossils are found inside rocks and sediment.
The plural subject fossils needs the plural verb are in Grade 3 writing.
3. Fix the sentence:
A paleontologist study fossils to learn about the past.
Corrected: A paleontologist studies fossils to learn about the past.
Singular subject a paleontologist needs the singular verb studies in Grade 3.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A fossil is the preserved remains or trace of a living thing from long ago.
Grade 3 science defines a fossil as preserved remains or traces of a past organism.
2. Most fossils are found inside layers of rock and sediment.
Grade 3 students learn fossils are usually buried and preserved inside rock layers.
3. A scientist who studies fossils is called a paleontologist.
In Grade 3 science, a paleontologist is the expert who studies fossils.
4. Fossils give us evidence about plants and animals that lived long ago.
Grade 3 science treats fossils as evidence of organisms from the past.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. A fossil is the preserved remains or trace of an organism that lived long ago.
True False
True: Grade 3 science defines a fossil as preserved remains or a trace from long ago.
2. All fossils are animals that are still alive today.
True False
False: in Grade 3 science, fossils come from organisms that lived in the past.
3. Fossils can help Grade 3 scientists learn about life long ago.
True False
True: Grade 3 science uses fossils as evidence of past plants and animals.