High School

100 points and brainliest for the best answer!!!!!!!!!!

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:




100 points and brainliest for the best answer organization of Organisms Objective In this activity you will analyze fossils and draw conclusions about the classifications

Answer :

Answer:

Explanation:

Part A: Collect Data

Question 1:

Fossil A

Predicted Kingdom: Animal

Physical Characteristics: Spiral shell, segmented body

Prediction About its Environment: Aquatic, possibly marine

Similar Living Organisms: Nautilus

Fossil B

Predicted Kingdom: Plant

Physical Characteristics: Leaf-like structures, branching patterns

Prediction About its Environment: Terrestrial, lived in a warm climate

Similar Living Organisms: Ferns

Fossil C

Predicted Kingdom: Animal

Physical Characteristics: Hard exoskeleton, jointed limbs

Prediction About its Environment: Terrestrial, possibly lived in a cold climate

Similar Living Organisms: Trilobites

Fossil D

Predicted Kingdom: Plant

Physical Characteristics: Woody structure, circular rings

Prediction About its Environment: Terrestrial, lived in a temperate climate

Similar Living Organisms: Conifers

Question 2:

Fossil

Most Similar to This Organism:

Reasoning:

Fossil A

Most Similar: Nautilus

Reasoning: Similar spiral shell, segmented body

Fossil B

Most Similar: Ferns

Reasoning: Leaf-like structures and branching patterns

Fossil C

Most Similar: Trilobites

Reasoning: Hard exoskeleton, jointed limbs

Fossil D

Most Similar: Conifers

Reasoning: Woody structure with circular rings

Part B: Analyze and Extend

Question 1:

Challenges scientists face when classifying a new fossil:

Answer: Scientists face challenges in identifying incomplete or poorly preserved fossils, distinguishing between closely related species, and dealing with variations within a species.

Question 2:

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

Answer: By examining similarities and differences in fossilized remains, scientists can trace the evolutionary relationships between species and understand their common ancestors.

Question 3:

Did classifications in part A support the original predictions? Why is understanding the environment of fossilized organisms important to scientific research?

Answer: Yes, classifications generally supported predictions. Understanding the environment is crucial as it provides insights into the ecological context, behavior, and adaptation of the organisms.

Question 4:

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

Answer: Fossil A and C are likely heterotrophs as they exhibit features common in animals. Fossil B and D are likely autotrophs as they display characteristics associated with plants.

Question 5:

Why are fossils of hard body parts more common than fossils of other soft tissues or microorganisms?

Answer: Hard body parts like bones, teeth, and shells have a higher chance of preservation due to their durability. Soft tissues and microorganisms decay more rapidly, making them less likely to fossilize.