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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

LevelA1A2B1B2

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

  • molecule — A very small piece of a substance.
    molecules
  • fossil — A preserved part of an old animal or plant.
    fossil bones, fossils
  • metabolism — The chemical processes inside a living body.
  • environment — The natural place where plants and animals live.
    environments
  • infection — When germs cause illness in the body.
  • researcher — A 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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