1. Preserved traces imprints Remains Paleontology "Paleo" = old Study of "old" or past life Fossils

2. Why Study Fossils Trace evolution of life Interpret past environments (e.g. ocean where today land)

3. 10_04.jpg Dating Rocks using Fossils

4. ID_03.jpg Fossilization

5. Conditions which favor fossilization: Rapid burial (prevents decay) Hard parts (teeth, shells and bones last longer)

6. Unaltered Fossils La Brea Tar Pits Entrapment in tar Bones well preserved but weathered and often gnawed!

7. Unaltered Fossils Iceman found between Italy and Austria in 1991, 5,300 years old Insect in Amber

8. Trace Fossils Dinosaur Footprint

9. Mold and Casts - Horn Coral

10. Identification of fossils Shape Where Fossils are found Sedimentary rocks like limestone, dolostone, sandstone and shale

11. Index Fossils Survive as species for a short period of time Easily recognizable Widespread A single index fossil can narrow the age of a formation.

12. Fossil Assemblage Page 70