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Molecules in million‑year‑old fossils show a warmer, wetter past (Level A1) — brown and white animal paw print textile

Molecules in million‑year‑old fossils show a warmer, wetter pastCEFR A1

26 Dec 2025

Adapted from Rachel Harrison-NYU, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
1 min
60 words
  • Scientists found small molecules in fossil bones.
  • These molecules come from animal metabolism.
  • Researchers used them to learn about animals.
  • They also learned about old environments.
  • The places were warmer and wetter then.
  • They compared fossils with living animals today.
  • Plant molecules showed what animals ate.
  • One fossil showed signs of infection.
  • The work gives new information about past life.

Difficult words

  • moleculeA very small piece of a substance.
    molecules
  • fossilA preserved part of an old animal or plant.
    fossil bones, fossils
  • metabolismThe chemical processes inside a living body.
  • environmentThe natural place where plants and animals live.
    environments
  • infectionWhen germs cause illness in the body.
  • researcherA person who studies or tests things.
    Researchers

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Have you ever seen a fossil?
  • Do you like learning about old animals?
  • What do animals eat near you?

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