Introduction to Fossils
What is a fossil? Fossil: the preserved remains or traces of living things
How do fossils form? Most fossils form when living things die and are buried by sediment. The sediment slowly hardens into rock and preserves the shapes of the organisms. Fossils are usually found in sedimentary rocks.
What are the kinds of fossils? Trapped in asphalt: ● Remains trapped in pools of asphalt and preserved Trapped in amber: ● Organism trapped in sap ● Sap is buried and preserved in sediment ● Preserves entire organism
What are the kinds of fossils? Buried in Rock ● Organisms can be buried by sediment ● Slows process of decay and protects hard parts ● Preserved in rock Become Frozen ● Animal dies and freezes, decay is slow, animal is preserved
What are the kinds of fossils? Become Petrified ● Organisms tissue replaced with minerals Trace Fossils: provide evidence of the activities of ancient organisms
What do fossils show? The fossil record provides evidence about the history of life and past environments on Earth. The fossil record also shows how different groups of organisms have changed over time.
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