Plant Fossils

Animal Fossils

What are fossils?Fossils are the remains (or traces) of dead plants or animals from long ago that have been preserved.

Fossils are foundin sedimentary rock. (also in amber or tar)

Paleontology – The Study of Fossils

Fossil Hunting

FossilFinding

AnimalReconstruction

Fossils can be found in …

Sedimentary RockAmber (tree sap)

Tar

La Brea Tar Pit in L.A.

Mud - Petrified Wood

How are fossils formed?• MOST fossils are formed in

sedimentary rock.

• When the organism dies, it begins to decompose.

• If it is buried quickly by fine sediment, it can leave an imprint before complete decomposition.

• The fine sediment can seal the imprint before the sediment turns to rock.

Two Types of Fossils:

• Body Fossils are fossils formed by a mold or an imprint of the animal or plant.

• Trace Fossils are evidence of activities of the animals, like burrows, trails, tracks, or even feeding marks.

Worm from 570 million years ago

Paleontologists organize fossil evidence in a Geologic Time Chart.

What pattern do you see?