1. Fossils

2. Plant Fossils

3. Animal Fossils

4. What are fossils?
Fossils are the remains (or traces) of dead plants or animals from long ago that have been preserved.
Fossils are found
in sedimentary rock. (also in amber or tar)

5. Paleontology – The Study of Fossils
Finding
Fossil Hunting
Animal
Reconstruction

6. Fossils can be found in …
Sedimentary Rock
Amber (tree sap)
Tar

7. La Brea Tar Pit in L.A.

8. Mud - Petrified Wood

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Paleontologists organize fossil evidence in a Geologic Time Chart.

12. What pattern do you see?