The World’s Most Famous Fossils Fossils are windows into Earth's ancient history, offering glimpses of life that existed millions of years ago. Some fossils have captured the imagination of scient

Fossils
Reading Comprehension
The World’s Most Famous Fossils
Fossils are windows into Earth's ancient history, offering glimpses of life that
existed millions of years ago. Some fossils have captured the imagination of
scientists and the public alike due to their extraordinary preservation or
scientific significance. Here are a few of the most famous fossils ever
discovered:
1. Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis)
Discovered in 1974 in Ethiopia, Lucy is one of the oldest and most complete
skeletons of an early human ancestor. At about 3.2 million years old, Lucy
revealed key insights into how early humans walked upright. Her discovery
helped bridge the gap between apes and modern humans.
2. Sue the T. rex
Named after Sue Hendrickson, the paleontologist who discovered it in South
Dakota in 1990, Sue is the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found.
Measuring over 40 feet long, Sue has been crucial in understanding the biology
and behavior of this fearsome predator. The fossil is displayed at the Field
Museum in Chicago.
3. Archaeopteryx
Found in Germany in the 19th century, Archaeopteryx is often called the "missing
link" between dinosaurs and birds. This 150-million-year-old fossil, complete with
feather impressions, confirmed that some dinosaurs had feathers and were the
ancestors of modern birds.
4. The Burgess Shale Fossils
Discovered in the Canadian Rockies in 1909, the Burgess Shale fossils are over
500 million years old and include some of the earliest examples of complex life
on Earth. These fossils provide a snapshot of the incredible diversity of life
during the Cambrian Explosion.
5. The Laetoli Footprints
In Tanzania, a trail of ancient footprints preserved in volcanic ash was
discovered in 1978. These 3.6-million-year-old prints, believed to belong to
Australopithecus afarensis, showed that early humans walked upright long
before they developed larger brains.
T6. The Iguanodon Tooth
In 1822, a fossilized tooth discovered by Mary Ann Mantell in England led to the
first recognition of dinosaurs as a distinct group. This tooth belonged to
Iguanodon, one of the first dinosaurs ever identified, marking the beginning of
paleontology as a science.
These fossils are just a few examples of how ancient remains help us piece
together the story of life on Earth. Each discovery not only answers questions but
also sparks new ones, driving our endless curiosity about the past.
Comprehension Questions: Famous Fossils

Part 1: Multiple Choice with Written Support
For each question, circle the correct answer and explain your choice based on
the article.
What is Lucy’s most significant contribution to science?
a) She showed that early humans lived in trees.
b) She proved early humans walked upright.
c) She revealed early humans had large brains.
d) She was the first human fossil ever discovered.
Your Answer: Write one sentence explaining why you chose the correct
answer.
Why is Sue the T. rex so famous?

a) Sue is the largest dinosaur ever discovered.
b) Sue is the most complete T. rex fossil.
c) Sue was the first T. rex ever found.
d) Sue’s bones were discovered in Canada.
Your Answer: Support your answer by writing a fact about Sue from the
article.
What is unique about the Archaeopteryx fossil?
a) It had teeth and scales like other dinosaurs.
b) It was the first fossil found in volcanic ash.
c) It showed feathers, linking dinosaurs to birds.
d) It is the largest bird fossil ever discovered.
Your Answer: Use one sentence to explain why this fossil is considered a "missing
link."
Part 2: Write the Answer from the Story

Answer these questions based on the information in the article.
1. Where were the Laetoli footprints discovered, and what do they reveal about
early humans?
1. What is the Burgess Shale, and why is it important to paleontology?
Part 3: Reflect and Think

For these questions, give your own thoughts. Use what you learned from the
article, but do not simply quote it.
Why do you think finding fossils like Lucy or Sue excites scientists and the public?
Write at least two sentences explaining your thoughts.

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Fossils

Comprehension Questions: Famous Fossils

Why is Sue the T. rex so famous?

Part 2: Write the Answer from the Story

1. What is the Burgess Shale, and why is it important to paleontology?

Part 3: Reflect and Think

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