Fossils in Georgia Habitats

3rd GradeLife Science

S3L1d - What types of fossils have been found in Georgia

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What are fossils?

Remember that fossilization is the process that turns a once living thing into a fossil. 

Most fossils are found in sedimentary rocks - rocks which were created when shells or small loose bits of rock are laid down in layers. Examples of sedimentary rocks are limestone, sandstone, clay and chalk. 

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Where are fossils found in Georgia?

Sedimentary deposits of Georgia's Coastal Plain cover more than half the state and contain abundant fossils of both vertebrates and invertebrates.

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Fossils• The oldest Coastal Plain

fossils are found farthest inland, reaching to the fall line, where the Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain.

• Sequentially younger fossils tend to be located closer to the present coasts, following the younger ages of sediments. 

• However, some of the youngest fossils are also found in deposits lying on top of older sediments.

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• The majority of fossil-bearing part of Georgia deposits formed along the coast were laid down during times when the oceans were much higher. Because of this marine influence, the majority of fossils represent sea life.

What fossils are found in Georgia?

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How do we know the Earth has changed?

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More fossil examples

Across the Coastal Plain, far from the present shoreline, many types of •sharks, •bony fish, •marine reptiles, and •marine mammals are amply represented.

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1. If there is evidence that the Earth has changed, what do we know about those animals’, who are still present, ability to adapt?

2. What about those animals who are extinct?