plant fossils animal fossils what are fossils? fossils are the remains (or traces) of dead plants or...
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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?